Murder Defendant Shocks Co-Defendants with Rejection of Plea Deal

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On May 25, 19-year-old Nelfy Hernandez shocked his two co-defendants when he rejected a plea offer from prosecutors at the last second, because attorneys on both sides thought they had a deal.

Hernandez, DeAndre Levy, 21, and Trey Prillerman, 19, are charged with first-degree murder in relation to a mass shooting on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW on Aug. 10, 2020. The three allegedly opened fire on a group of teenagers. Taijhon Wyatt, 17, was killed in the shooting.

Prosecutors had offered the defendants a wired plea deal, meaning they all had to accept it in order for it to be successful. The deal would have Hernandez and Prillerman plead guilty to second-degree murder, facing 12 years in jail.

Levy would have pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, and would face 8 years in jail.

Due to Hernandez’s rejection of the offer, Levy and Prillerman’s offers were withdrawn by prosecutors, and all three are expected to go to trial beginning June 14.

Parties are expected back May 31 to ensure there will be sufficient time to prepare for the trial following Hernandez’s unexpected decision.

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