Plea Deal Questioned in Shooting Case, Suspect Denied Release

By Sofia Feigelson [former] - June 21, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur, the lawyer for a shooting defendant discussed the status of a plea offer, and the suspect’s denied release on June 20.

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting a male victim on March 7 at an apartment complex located near the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE. 

According to a police report, the victim stated he got into a verbal altercation with Walker because he did not want Walker to speak with the victim’s daughter. The victim stated Walker was dating his daughter’s mother, who lives with the victim.

Despite the shooter’s wearing a black ski mask, the victim allegedly identified him as Walker in a photo array presented by a detective. The victim stated he recognized Walker’s voice, noticed his dreads, and recalled that his eyes were red, which he claimed was a common occurrence, according to court documents.

Tamara Jones, Walker’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was rejecting an offer extended by the prosecution, which required Walker to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Jones stated they needed more time to consider the plea offer, adding this is Walker’s first time being incarcerated, and inexperienced with the legal system.

The prosecutor, meanwhile, stated the plea offer had expired, amidst Judge Arthur’s confusion that the offer was still open.

“I don’t mean to beat the dead horse here,” said the prosecutor, stating the prosecution would not be required to offer another plea deal because the defense had requested a trial date during the hearing.

Prior to addressing the plea offer, Jones requested her client’s release, claiming Walker is willing to comply with any conditions Judge Arthur would impose in order to mitigate the potential danger he may present to the community – for example, GPS monitoring and stay away orders from any witnesses.

She stated Walker had no criminal history or mental health problems, and highlighted his “deep family ties” and the fact that he was a “devoted employee.” She reminded Judge Arthur that a firearm has yet to be recovered. 

Additionally, Jones referred to the victim, as an “unreliable witness.” She claimed he was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the incident and “changed his story several times.” She also added that the victim has been “known to be jealous of his ex-girlfriend.”

The prosecutor stated the defendant fired at an individual in close range, presented himself as a dangerous threat, and caused significant injury to the victim. 

According to the prosecutor, the victim broken bones in his lower leg, underwent surgery, and has been receiving physical therapy. 

The prosecutor told Judge Arthur, the victim is in fear of returning to his home in DC because of possible acts of retaliation from Walker’s family or friends.

Judge Arthur denied the defense’s motion for release, stating that given “the nature of the allegations” there would be no conditions “that would assume the safety of the community.”

Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 2.