DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman confirmed a non-fatal shooting defendant would reject a plea deal in a status hearing Jan. 16.
Demetry Ferguson, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, unlawful possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Sept. 8, 2024 on the 4400th block of E Street SE.
The prosecution offered Ferguson a plea deal on Nov. 21, 2025 stipulating that remaining charges would be dropped if Ferguson pled guilty to the aggravated assault while armed charge.
Judge Edelman reconvened with the defendant and defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, on Jan. 16. Judge Edelman advised the defendant that once the plea was denied he may not decide later on to accept the offer.
Ferguson is currently on release after release from jail on Oct. 10, 2024. The terms of his release include home confinement, a curfew, newly changed to 12 a. m.-to-6 a. m. by Judge Edelman and a stay-away-order filed by the prosecution.
Parties are set to reconvene March 20.
