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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- February 22, 2020
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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A DC Superior Court judge encouraged a murder defendant to change his life around during the defendant’s sentencing on Feb. 21.
Jose Luzunaris pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for stabbing 56-year-old Gregory Monroe on Feb 3, 2018, at the Judiciary House Apartments on the 400 block of H Street, NW. Luzunaris, 54, was indicted on first-degree murder while armed with offenses committed during release, possession of drug paraphernalia with offenses committed during release and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Judge Craig Iscoe told Luzunaris that he was, “very happy” the defendant had been in contact with his family, who are from Puerto Rico. Judge Iscoe also acknowledged that the contact was a positive step for Luzunaris, who had shown a history of being able to stay away from crime.
The prosecution and defense agreed that Luzunaris should serve six years for the murder under his plea agreement because he took responsibility for the murder very early.
There were no victim impact statements. The prosecution said Monroe’s family had recently lost another family member and could not contribute statements.
Defense attorney Matthew Davies said the sentence was appropriate for Luzunaris because he already had pending matters in Virginia that would cause him to serve additional time in prison.
As a result of Luzunaris plea agreement his other pending charges in DC were subsequently dropped.
Luzunaris will also serve five years of supervised release after his prison term.