Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

By Nick Pallotto [former] - November 14, 2023
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

On Nov. 14, a defendant rejected a plea offer in connection to a 2022 non-fatal shooting case.

Thomas Leach, 17, is charged with assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left three individuals suffering from injuries on the 4000 block of Central Avenue, NE, at the Benning Road Metro Station on Dec. 8, 2022. 

Leach is being charged as an adult. 

According to court documents, Leach and the intended homicide victim went to school together, and on the day of the shooting, Leach allegedly entered the Benning Road Metro Station and met with the victims on the platform.  

At the hearing, prosecutors said a plea offer was given to the defense in late October.

According to prosecutors, the offer requires that Leach plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to commit an offense while armed and one count of assault with intent to kill while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss the possession charge and not indict Leach on any other charges. 

Terrence Austin, Leach’s defense attorney, said Leach rejected the plea offer. 

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo set the next hearing, a felony status conference, for Dec. 6 to arraign Leach and discuss the pending indictment against him.