Davon Thomas, 24, pleaded guilty Friday in connection with the January death of 53-year-old Emanuel Campbell, who died after being pushed to the ground and striking his head.
Thomas pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the case and faces a potential sentence of four to ten years in prison. By accepting the plea, Thomas avoids a trial on a charge of second-degree murder.
According to court records that are part of the plea agreement, a witness told police that Thomas and Campbell were arguing about having guests at their shared Northeast DC apartment when Campbell took out a pocket knife and cut Thomas behind the ear. Campbell left the apartment and Thomas followed, the witness said. Thomas said he punched Campbell twice, causing him to fall.
After being admitted to the hospital in critical condition, Campbell died on Jan. 31. An autopsy revealed the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries, court documents state.
Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 13.
Plea documents have been added below.
