David Jamal Wilson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed Friday in connection to the 2013 stabbing death of 68-year-old Howard Venable Jr.
Shortly after midnight on Feb. 1, 2013, Wilson, 21, and two other individuals robbed Venable at his apartment in the 1600 block of Fuller Street. During the robbery one or both of the unidentified accomplices stabbed Venable, according to prosecutors.
An autopsy report revealed that Venable suffered from a horizontal stab wound across his neck, a stab wound to his right torso and a fatal stab wound to his chest that perforated his aorta. Venable’s body was found the following day laying in a pool of his own blood, inside his apartment on the 1600 Block of Fuller Street NW.
According to charging documents, investigators found surveillance video showing Wilson making three ATM withdraws totaling $613.50, using Venable’s Bank of America card that same night.
Wilson was arrested on Feb. 3 and charged with first degree murder while armed.
The proffer of facts states that on January 31, Wilson had sent a text message to Venable saying he needed money.
According to charging documents, a witness told police that Wilson and Venable were roommates.
Wilson is facing six to nine years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11, at 11:30 a.m., with Judge Jennifer Anderson.
***Correction: Due to a reporting error, this story originally misidentified the location of Venable’s apartment. Venable lived in the 1600 block of Fuller Street Northwest.
A copy of the plea documents is attached below.
