A defendant in a fatal shooting case rejected a plea offer and waived his right to independently test DNA evidence during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 26.
Maleek Thomas, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Melvin Dock Jr. and the wounding of a second victim on the 4300 block of Halley Terrace, SE, on Oct. 30, 2023.
According to court documents, the incident occurred after the attempted carjacking of a white Infiniti. Two victims were located at the scene, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both were rushed to the hospital, and one was pronounced deceased after life-saving measures were exhausted.
During the hearing, the prosecution presented a plea deal to the defendant. If Thomas pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, the prosecution offered to dismiss the remaining five charges on his indictment.
Thomas rejected the offer after deliberation with his defense attorney, Howard McEachern.
Following the rejection, prosecutors presented evidence they plan to introduce during the trial. The DNA evidence included swabs from the interior and exterior of the victim’s vehicle, bags of marijuana confiscated after the incident, and clothes belonging to the victim.
Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 14.
