A murder defendant rejected a wired plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 1.
Michael Sanders, 30, and Darnell Resper, 31, are charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki on the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW on Feb. 18, 2021. Another individual was injured.
Sanders’ defense attorney, Daniel Kovler, informed the court that Sanders intended to reject a plea deal extended by the prosecution. Since the plea was wired, Sanders’ rejection also excluded Resper from the deal. If it had been accepted, Sanders and Resper would have pled guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
According to court documents, Sanders and Resper allegedly entered the home while Zarouaki was hosting a “marijuana party” and demanded drugs and personal property from the individuals present while pointing guns at them. Sanders allegedly fired, fatally shooting Zarouaki in the neck and wounding another victim.
Additionally, the prosecution requested the trial date, which is slated to begin Oct. 21, be pushed back to 2026 due to scheduling conflicts. Judge Ryan objected to changing the date, stating “it never makes sense to continue trial unless I absolutely have to.”
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.
