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By
Isabelle Chiu [former]
- July 25, 2022
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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During a hearing on July 22, a murder defendant rejected a plea offer in connection to a 2021 shooting.
James Harper, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting of 39-year-old Bret Desmarteau on the 100 block of Sheridan Street, NE on May 27, 2021.
According to court documents, Desmarteau was parked behind Harper’s vehicle when the two began yelling at each other. Surveillance video shows Desmarteau approaching the vehicle when four gunshots were fired and he collapsed on the ground.
On March 30, the prosecutor submitted a plea agreement offering to drop the second-degree murder while armed charge if Harper pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed.
Harper’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, rejected the plea offer on behalf of her client on Friday.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled an additional hearing on Sept. 23, when parties will discuss DNA testing.