Samuel Nelson pled guilty today to voluntary manslaughter while armed in connection with the stabbing death of Darnell Howard. He is scheduled to be sentenced April 5.
Howard, 36, died October 2, 2012, after being taken to the hospital with several stab wounds to his body.
According to the government’s proffer of facts, Howard and another individual robbed Nelson of approximately $60 on the evening of October 1, 2012. Nelson, who was still angry about the robbery, saw Howard near the intersection of 30th Street SE and Naylor Road SE on Oct. 2 and engaged him in a verbal altercation. The altercation quickly turned physical, and during the fight, Nelson drew a butcher knife and began stabbing Howard, who was unarmed.
After Howard fell to the ground, Nelson kicked him in the head and repeatedly stabbed him.
Minutes after the stabbing, Nelson was stopped by Metropolitan Police two streets over from where the incident had occurred and agreed to a voluntary interview at the Homicide Branch. Nelson then waived his Miranda rights and confessed to stabbing Howard. He was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed, according to documents.
Charging documents and the plea agreement have been added to this post.
Samuel Nelson Plea and Waiver of Trial (Text)
Samuel Nelson Plea Documents (Text)
