Senior Citizen Pleads Guilty to Homicide Over Lawnmower Dispute

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 29, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

After being deemed competent, a murder defendant pleaded guilty Jan. 28 for his role in a homicide that stemmed from a dispute over a lawnmower.

William Hunt pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for stabbing 48-year-old George White on the 400 block of Newcomb Street, SE in 2011. During the hearing, the prosecutor said the victim was stabbed 67 times. 

Per the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to downgrade Hunt’s first-degree murder while armed charge to second-degree murder while armed. They also agreed to drop Hunt’s obstruction of justice charge. Contingent on the judge’s approval, Hunt, 62, could be sentenced to 11.5 years in prison.

In 2015, Hunt was deemed incompetent and the court ordered inpatient restoration services at St. Elizabeth’s hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital. According to D.C. Superior Court Judge Jose Lopez, St. Elizabeth’s doctors now say Hunt is competent.

Hunt will remain at St. Elizabeth’s hospital pending sentencing.

According to a proffer of facts, White confronted Hunt, who was cutting grass, after he was woken up by the sound of a lawnmower. After the argument ended, Hunt entered White’s apartment and stabbed him repeatedly.

Hunt is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25.