A D.C. murder case that started with a deadly stabbing on a Northeast block is now headed for trial after the accused killer turned down a plea deal in Superior Court. Prosecutors said 51-year-old Ronald Levi, accused of fatally stabbing his neighbor, 60-year-old Gary Day, chose not to accept a negotiated plea that would have reduced the top charge against him. Day died after suffering multiple stab wounds on the 5200 block of Foote Street NE on June 18, 2024.
Plea offer, hearing and charges
The government told the judge the proposed deal called for Levi to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, with a sentencing range of 16 to 22 years, according to DC Witness. In return, prosecutors would have dropped greater or remaining charges.
Levi rejected the offer at a July 17 hearing, and the judge instead set a trial-readiness date for Nov. 6, the outlet reports. For now, Levi remains charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon.
What the charges mean
Under D.C. law, first-degree premeditated murder is the most serious form of homicide, according to the D.C. Code. Judges and juries evaluate evidence of planning, weapon use and other circumstances to decide the degree of murder and possible punishment.
Felony trials in the District are handled at the Moultrie Courthouse at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, where this case is scheduled to return for further pretrial proceedings, per the District of Columbia Courts.
Evidence and next steps
At the same hearing, Levi waived his right to additional forensic testing under the Innocence Protection Act. Prosecutors said the evidence involved includes a lighter and clothing they contend Levi wore on the day of the killing, according to DC Witness.
The outlet also reports that Day suffered 14 stab wounds to his torso, back, arm and neck in the June 18, 2024 attack on the 5200 block of Foote Street NE. With no plea agreement in place, both sides are expected to press ahead with discovery and pretrial motions before the November readiness hearing.
The case is set to return to D.C. Superior Court on Nov. 6 for a trial-readiness conference. Until then, prosecutors and defense attorneys can file motions, line up witnesses and, if they choose, revisit plea negotiations, which would still need the judge’s approval.
