In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Jan. 5, David Howard rejected a plea deal from prosecutors.
Howard, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of Ali Zarrincalaki, 45, on March 2 on the 4200 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. Howard and Zarrincalaki were both experiencing homelessness and camping near one another close to the Petworth Metro Station.
According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Zarrincalaki at the Petworth Library with multiple stab wounds. Howard was detained by several bystanders as they awaited medical assistance for the victim who succumbed to his wounds.
The prosecution offered Howard the option of pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed, destruction of property in the amount of less than $1,000 and unlawful entry. The latter changes related to Howard allegedly setting the victim’s tent on fire.
Howard said he rejected the deal which would have included the dismissal of all greater charges.
When Judge Demeo asked Howard if he understood that rejecting the deal could expose himself to the original counts, he acknowledged the risk.
The judge set Howard’s trial date for Oct. 20, 2025.
