Mass shooting defendant pleads not guilty at arraignment

By Elizabeth Brady
– October 2, 2024
data | murders | Shoot | Suspicious | Victim |

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to a mass shooting on Oct. 1 before D.C. Supreme Court Judge Robert Okun.

Jalonte Thompkins, 31, is charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon, three counts of possession of a weapon during a crime of violence, conspiracy with a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of 34-year-old James Morgan, 30-year-old Jamal Morgan and 42-year-old Vincent Martin. The incident occurred on August 5, 2023 in the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW. Two other people were injured in the incident.

According to court documents, Jamal and James were siblings.

Defense attorney Brandi Harden alerted the court to the defendant's intention to plead not guilty and called for a speedy trial invoking his constitutional rights.

Both parties agreed to a jury trial scheduled for May 14, 2026, which had already been delayed due to the complexity of the case. The defense believes the trial could last six weeks.

Harden told the court that she plans to file a motion to dismiss the conspiracy charge within a month. Judge Okun told the parties that the prosecution will have an opportunity to respond in writing before making a decision.

The judge granted Harden's additional request for a 14-day extension to respond to the prosecution's previous request to allow further DNA testing.

The parties will meet again on December 12th.