District Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
in March 2011 Slaying in Southeast Washington
-Defendant Shot Fiance During an Argument About Another Woman-

     WASHINGTON - Ronald Pickett, 27, of Washington, D.C., has pled guilty to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed stemming from the March 2011 slaying of his fiancé during an argument at their home, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Pickett pled guilty on June 15, 2012 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He will be sentenced on Sept. 14, 2012, by the Honorable Robert E. Morin. He faces up to 30 years in prison.

     At the plea hearing, Pickett admitted that he went to a club with his fiancé, Vanessa McGee, 36, on the evening of March 4, 2011. On the way there, he stopped to pick up another woman, who was unknown to Ms. McGee. The three stayed at the club for several hours. Pickett dropped the other woman off at her home at about 2:15 a.m on March 5, 2011. Afterward, Pickett and Ms. McGee got into an argument over the other woman. The argument continued after they arrived at their home in the 4700 block of B Street SE at about 2:30 a.m.

     During the argument, Pickett decided to leave. Before leaving, he retrieved his 9mm pistol from their bedroom. During the continuation of the argument, Ms. McGee slipped on the floor and fell into Pickett. At the time, Pickett was holding the pistol. When Ms. McGee fell into him, the gun went off and struck her in the top of the right shoulder. She died from the injuries.

     In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department as well as Officers from Metro Transit. He also commended Paralegal Specialist Kelly Blakeney and Victim Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker. Finally, he commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Cobb, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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