Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

By Grace Nardei [former] - January 31, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

On Jan. 30, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom.

Arnold Lawrance, 33, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured one individual, on Nov. 25, 2023, at the 1400 block of W Street, NW.

According to court documents, Lawrance shot the victim in the neck after the victim discovered that Lawrance had entered their apartment and taken property. The victim survived after being hospitalized.

During the hearing, defense attorney Wole Falodun alerted the court that Arnold was accepting a deal extended by prosecutors, which required him to plead guilty to one count of armed robbery in exchange for dismissal of all other charges, and the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment.

As part of the deal, according to court documents, the defendant will plead guilty to one count of armed robbery and the prosecution will not indict the defendant on any of the remaining charges, including unlawful discharge, and won’t recommend additional punishment beyond the maximum penalty, which is 30 years.

At the status hearing, the prosecution stated that had the case gone to trial, they would have proved Arnold’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Parties are slated to return for sentencing April 12.