DC Man Pleads Guilty To Fatally Shooting Maryland Victim In 2016

WASHINGTON, DC — A Washington, D.C., man accused of fatally shooting a 23-year-old male in 2016 pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder while armed, the U.S. attorney's office in the District said.

Nathaniel Taylor, 23, who has been incarcerated since 2017, agreed to the plea deal and possibly faces up to 20 years in prison, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said the incident began as a gun transaction. Around 10:38 p.m. on April, 23, 2016, the victim, Nuru Frenche, and a friend met with Taylor and Anthony Blackmone to buy firearms in the 4900 block of Just Street NE. Frenche and his friend were unarmed at the time, officials said.

Prosecutors said Frenche, of Brandywine, Maryland, exited the car holding at least $500 and was confronted by Taylor. The confrontation ended with Taylor shooting Frenche in the back of the head, officials said. Frenche's friend escaped.

D.C. Police said they responded to scene and found 23-year-old Frenche, who died from his wounds a few days later.

Blackmone, 23, of Washington, D.C., was arrested in May 2016, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and attempted robbery.

Prosecutors said Taylor was arrested in February 2017 and went to prison. Taylor is still incarcerated for his role in the crime.

Taylor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed Monday in D.C. Superior Court, according to prosecutors. If the judge accepts the plea deal, Taylor may be in prison for up to 20 years. He is expected to be sentenced on March 8, 2019.

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