Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

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A shooting defendant accepted a plea extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 12. 

Robert Crowder, 33, is charged with arson, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Aug. 22, 2023 on the 1000 block of 2nd place, SE. No injuries were reported. 

Crowder, who was present via WebEx was asked so-called Frendak questions referring to a court decision that prevents a judge from imposing an insanity defense against the defendant’s will.

During the hearing, John Sample, Crowder’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Di Toro that the parties had resolved the case through a plea deal. The deal required Crowder to plead guilty to arson and unlawful discharge of a firearm, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 40 months with 24 months suspended. 

Parties will discuss sentencing in further detail on Aug. 23.