Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Murder Over Money

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to seven charges before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 1.

Jahi Settles, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted robbery while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Langston Sharps. The incident occurred on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court documents, a witness reported watching an individual, later identified as Settles, and Sharps get into a verbal altercation about Sharps owing the suspect money. The witness told police they watched Settles allegedly pull out a gun and shoot Sharps.

Janet Mitchell, who was stepping in for Settles’ attorney Jason Tulley, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and requested a speedy trial, enacting his constitutional rights. 

Parties will reconvene Oct. 31.