Prosecutors Extend a Plea Offer to a Homicide Defendant

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Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein that they extended a plea offer to a homicide defendant during a May 31 hearing.

John Dickens, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Kelvin Hamlett, who was left in his burning car, on the 1500 block of Gales Street, NE, on Nov. 12. 

According to the prosecution, they extended a plea deal to cap charges at second-degree murder while armed in exchange for not seeking an indictment. Through the plea, parties would agree to a sentencing at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines. 

If the deal is not accepted the prosecution will be seeking to indict Dickens on first-degree murder while armed among other charges. 

Dickens’ has yet to accept or decline the plea offer due to a recent change in attorneys. 

Parties are slated to return June 28.