Vehicular Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty

By Elizabeth Bernstein , Lucy Orgolini - September 10, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun accepted a homicide defendant’s guilty plea on Sept. 9. 

Andre Johnson, 31, was originally charged with second-degree murder for his involvement in a hit and run that caused the death of Madison Jones, 18. 

During the hearing, Johnson’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, alerted Judge Okun of his intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment. 

According to the prosecution, Johnson was driving without a valid permit at a speed of 50-to-60 miles per hour on a street with a speed limit of 25. He then ran a red light and struck the car Jones was a passenger in, ejecting her from the car and killing her at the scene. 

The prosecutor added that Johnson fled the scene and did not render aid for Jones and the surviving victims. 

According to court documents, at the time of the incident, Johnson was on release in two cases, in which he was charged with driving without a permit.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Nov. 15.