Murder Defendant Rejects Second Plea Deal

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Aaron Murchison rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Nov. 1.

Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jamontate Brown on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

According to court documents, Brown sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found on a sidewalk, lying on his back with his hands above his head.

During the hearing, the prosecution presented a second plea offer that would have required Murchison admit guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a sentence of 10-and-a-half to 14 years incarceration.

Through his defense attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Quiana Harris, Murchison rejected the plea deal and requested a trial date.

The trial was set for Jan. 21, 2025.

The prosecution raised concerns about the trial being delayed due to Gardner’s leaving the Public Defender Service (PDS).

Gardner said the trial wouldn’t be delayed because, at Murchison’s request, Gardner would continue to represent him for the upcoming trial.

The defense requested Murchison’s release on home confinement and GPS monitoring. They said he had already spent a substantial amount of time incarcerated due to multiple delays of his trial and he was not a flight risk.

The prosecution opposed the defense’s motion, asserting Murchison is still a danger to the public.

Judge Demeo denied Murchison’s motion, stating there had been no change to cause the court to reconsider his release.

Parities are set to reconvene on Dec. 13.