Two among five former co-defendants accepted plea deals less than a month prior to their scheduled trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 3.
Kharee Jackson, 33 and John Wilkins, 36, were formerly charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of first-degree felony felony murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of robbery while armed. Wilkins was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
The charges stemmed from their involvement in an incident that resulted in the fatal shooting of Tennessee rap artist Albert Smith Jr., 21, and the robbery and assault of three additional victims on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on June 14, 2020.
The defendants were scheduled to begin their trial on Aug. 18.
Both defendants accepted plea deals from prosecutors. At the hearing, Jackson’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, noted that he pleaded guilty to armed robbery. Wilkins’ attorney, Bridgete Armand, said that Wilkins pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon.
The plea deals are wired and contingent upon another co-defendant, Earl Robinson, 34, accepting his plea offer as well. Robinson will have a hearing when his attorney, Kevin Irving, returns from vacation.
Judge Brandt walked through Jackson and Wilkins’ plea deals separately, saying that they “deserve individual attention.” The judge ensured both defendants accepted the agreements knowingly and voluntarily.
Prosecutors said if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven that Jackson and Wilkins were gambling with a group of men from out of town, who prosecutors referred to as “the Georgia Group” on June 13, 2020 to the early morning hours of June 14, 2020.
According to prosecutors, Jackson was armed and chased the Georgia Group before striking one individual. Wilkins, prosecutors said, raised a gun and fired several shots, killing Smith, who was from the Georgia Group, and injuring another. Neither defendant is a cooperating witness.
As part of the plea agreement, Jackson will serve a maximum sentence of nine years in prison. Wilkins will serve a maximum prison sentence of 23 years. The agreed-upon sentences are both subject to DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s approval at sentencing.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 29 for sentencing.
