A victim’s family challenged a plea offer given to a homicide defendant on June 20.
Keyon Slaughter, 27, was initially charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, first-degree burglary while armed and unlawful possession of firearm with prior conviction. The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Dana Bailey Jr., 38, on Dec. 5, 2022 at 3300 block of E Street, SE.
He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed. According to the plea agreement, Slaughter could be sentenced to a maximum of life imprisonment or $250,000 fine.
Slaughter is currently held without bond. His attorney, Theodore Shaw, said Slaughter was willing to accept the second-degree murder charge on the grounds that the prosecution would dismiss an indictment.
By taking the plea Slaughter waived the right to a trial in exchange that any further charges against him, in this case, be dropped. He would also be classified as a registered gun offender.
In the midst of Judge Dayson weighing whether to accept the plea, members of Bailey’s family were sitting in the audience. They had come to speak on behalf of their loved one, whose presence was sorely missed.
He was a “stand up guy… who’s biggest flaw was trying to help others”, said his mother, in conversation with the D.C. Witness.
On the stand, she told the judge that the killer had “followed my son” and “murdered my child in his home”.
Her deep sadness permeated the courtroom.
Bailey’s mother and sister both said they believed the circumstances of his death meant the killer should be charged with first-degree murder. They both said the killing had been planned and premeditated.
“I’ve been the detective in this case,” said Bailey’s sister. She claimed that Slaughter had been part of a set up to kill Bailey. The family also claimed that Bailey identified Slaughter to one of his family members with his last words.
“He has 6 kids. That’s traumatizing to them,” she said. “I don’t understand how that would be an option,” she said, explaining that there was evidence that showed Slaughter’s action was intentional.
Judge Dayson acknowledged the testimony of the family and how hard it must be hard for them to speak. However, she said that her decision on whether to accept his plea definitively will be the result of a number of factors at the time of sentencing.
Both Bailey’s mother and his sister promised to be there, on his behalf, at the time of sentencing. They want to see a fair sentence served.
Slaughter’s sentence is scheduled on Aug. 29.
