A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Nov. 3.
Thurman Williams, 55, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in a shooting that took place at the 1100 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW on Oct. 17. No injuries were reported.
Williams accepted a deal, which required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges and not seek an indictment.
The prosecution argued that, if the case went to trial, they could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Williams fired a silver gun near the victim unprovoked and knowingly, and that he was aware he was not allowed to own a gun due to a prior conviction.
Camille Wagner, Williams’ defense attorney, pushed for Williams’ release. She argued he needed to “get some affairs in order” between the Nov. 3 hearing and sentencing. She specifically pointed to Williams’ elderly mother, whom he had been financially supporting for a few years and a business he started that he would need to dismantle.
Judge Pipe denied the request for release. While she acknowledged that Williams’ prior conviction was manslaughter as opposed to murder, she argued Williams still knew he was not allowed to possess the firearm, and that he still fired it near someone.
Williams is held until sentencing.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 9.
