WASHINGTON — An ex-convict charged in the killings of three family members and their housekeeper inside a D.C. mansion pleaded not guilty Friday.
Daron Wint, 35, had the plea entered on his behalf at an arraignment in D.C. Superior Court. Shackled and wearing an orange jumpsuit, Wint said few words, only stating his name and affirming that he understood his rights.
Earlier this week, Wint was indicted on 20 felony charges including murder, kidnapping, extortion and arson. He is scheduled to be back in court May 20 for a felony status conference.
Prosecutors told a judge they are preparing for the possibility of asking for life in prison if Wint is convicted.
Wint, a resident of Lanham, Maryland, was arrested a week after a May 14 fire at the $3 million home in Northwest D.C., not far from the Naval Observatory.
Firefighters found business executive Savvas Savopoulos, his wife, Amy, and their 10-year-old son, Philip, dead inside. The family’s housekeeper, Veralicia Figueroa, was found unconscious and taken to a hospital, where she died. Prosecutors say the four had been held for ransom before the fire was set.
Wint was initially charged in only the death of Savvas Savopoulos after being linked to the crime scene by DNA. Wint is a welder who once worked for Savopoulos’ company, American Iron Works.
Wint is the only suspect charged in the case so far, but authorities have said he likely did not act alone and that the murder investigation is ongoing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
