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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- October 22, 2019
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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During a felony arraignment, two of five murder defendants rejected plea offers and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder while armed.
Stephon Evans and Alonzo Brown are indicted on with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with the intent to kill while armed charges for their alleged involvement in the death of 22-year-old Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE on Jan. 12. Naquel Henderson, Tavist Alston, and Carlos Turner are also charged with first-degree murder in relation to the homicide.
According to the terms of a plea offer, if Evans, 19, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder while armed, then all additional charges would be dropped. In addition the prosecution would recommended a maximum sentence of 30 years. If Brown, 21, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, all other charges would be dropped, and the prosecution would recommend an 18-24 year sentence.
According to the DC voluntary sentencing guidelines, first-degree murder while armed conviction for a defendant who had a criminal history score of 0-0.5 carries a sentence between 30-60 years in prison.
Evans and Brown did not explain why they rejected the offers in open court.
Alston, 26, Henderson, 22, and Turner, 21, have not yet been indicted in the case. The three defendants have also not received plea offers as of Oct. 21.
The prosecutor said she expects to secure an indictment against Alston by December.
The prosecution also told DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman that all remaining evidence would be given to the defense within three weeks.
Henderson and Turner were not present at the hearing. Turner is scheduled for a felony status conference on Feb. 7, 2020. Henderson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 14.
Alston, Brown and Evans are scheduled for a status hearing on Dec. 20.