Plea Deal in Fatal Shooting Sparks Courtroom Drama

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 19, 2023
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Wearing a white headdress and sobbing quietly, Ariel Cooper-White, 40, accepted a plea deal  for a fatal shooting during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 19.

Cooper-White pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a gun during a crime of violence for an incident that occurred on Oct. 27, 2022 on the 1300 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW.  She was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed.

According to court documents, Cooper-White was a passenger in a Toyota Avalon driven by Sophia Johnson that came to a stop after hitting a light pole.  Witnesses told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers they heard as many as a dozen shots fired from inside the car.  Johnson died at the scene.

One relative of the victim told police Cooper-White smoked PCP and that would lead to fights with Johnson.  “I bet it is that bitch Ariel Cooper [who did the shooting],” said the relative.

The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense as members from Cooper-White’s and Johnson’s family exchanged words.

“That’s not how this works, “said Judge Brandt.  “If you can’t listen here and be quiet, my deputies will escort you out.”  However, she said she also understood the “emotional turmoil”  the loved ones were experiencing on both sides. 

During the proceedings, sounds of crying were audible in the courtroom.

In explaining the plea deal Judge Brandt  asked if Cooper-White understood she was waiving her right to a trial and an appeal of the verdict.  Cooper-White answered yes.

The maximum penalty for voluntary manslaughter is 30-years imprisonment and the maximum for gun possession during a crime of violence is 15-years.  Cooper-White’s lawyer, Camille Wagner, tells DC Witness that under the terms of the plea agreement, Judge Brandt has the right to determine the sentence anywhere between the minimum and maximum range.  

Judge Brandt says she will announce her decision at the sentencing hearing set for Aug. 11 at 9:30 a.m.