Parties Attempting to Reach Plea Deal, Counselors Say

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 1, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Counsel told a DC Superior Court Judge June 28 that they are attempting to “reach a resolution” in a homicide case that is currently set for trial in August.

Mario Alfaro is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting Jonathan Vilchez. DC Police found Vilchez, 22, with multiple gunshot wounds on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017.

The prosecution and defense told Judge Danya Dayson that they are in the final stages of drafting a plea agreement. The specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Defense attorney, James King, told Judge Dayson that he didn’t expect the plea deal to fall apart. However, counsel insisted the trial date be moved in case an agreement couldn’t be made. A new date has not been selected as of July 1.

Alfaro, 22, rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution last year.

According to court documents, several security cameras show Alfaro shooting into the Lucky Corner Market where the victim’s body was found. Police believe Alfaro and Vilchez were members of the same street gang.

Alfaro is scheduled for a status hearing on July 17.