Prosecutors Extend Plea Deal to Homicide Defendant

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Prosecutors extended a homicide defendant’s plea deal for two weeks in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on June 27.

Jaleil Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting and robbery of 44-year-old Robert Lavender. The incident took place on the 600 block of Monroe Street, NE on July 17, 2023. 

At the hearing, Jones’ was not present due to a medical condition. His attorney, Kevann Gardner, requested that the prosecution’s plea offer be kept open for an additional three weeks. 

However, the prosecution stated that the plea offer will only remain open for two weeks. Both parties ultimately agreed. 

According to court documents, officers arrived at the location after receiving information on a reported shooting. They located an adult male victim, who died from his injuries.The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head as well between his eyes and injuries to the back of both hands; and abrasion-type injuries to his left rear shoulder area, left forearm and near his elbow.  

A 9mm cartridge casing was also recovered from the scene. 

Parties are slated to return on July 11.