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By
Cameron Horne [former]
- October 9, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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In front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, murder defendant Dasean Matthews, 25, rejected a plea offer in which he would receive a downgraded charge and concurrent sentences on Oct. 8.
Matthews is charged with first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances, and first-degree cruelty to children for the alleged fatal beating of Mars Jones, 2, on Oct. 13, 2022, on Atlantic Street, SW. Jones passed away from the injuries sustained on Oct. 18, 2022.
Monet Jones, 26, Matthews’ codefendant, is charged with second-degree cruelty to children, obstruction of justice, three counts of perjury, and tampering with physical evidence for her alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Jones.
During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge O’Keefe they had extended a plea offer that would require Matthews to plead guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree cruelty to children, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
Matthews told Judge O’Keefe he was rejecting the deal.
Additionally, Sylvia Smith, Matthews’ attorney motioned for a trial delay, citing issues with an expert witness’ availability.
The child neuropathologist originally slated to testify “dropped the ball” according to Smith and would not be available for the current trial dates. Smith argued that Matthews’ case would be severely damaged without this expert witness’ testimony given the complexity of evidence.
The prosecution questioned whether the delay was more about finding an expert that would agree with the defense’s point of view.
Judge O’Keefe granted the continuance, setting a new trial date in February of 2026.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 2.