Judge Moves Sentencing in Non-fatal Shooting Case

By Mariam Kamate [former] - April 12, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan delayed sentencing in a shooting case by a week because the defense needs more time to consider the facts. 

Joseph Washington, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license in relation to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 5000 block of Astor Place, SE on Oct. 8, 2022.

On April 10, Judge Ryan read the defendant’s statement explaining that after the argument got heated between the defendant’s girlfriend and the complainants Washington stepped in when things turned physical. 

“I know where I went wrong and my actions were impulsive,” Judge Ryan said while reading a statement from the defendant.

Prior to this hearing, the defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. Both charges were accepted by Judge Ryan. However, after reading out the defendant’s statement Judge Ryan said he believes that the case could be self-defense. 

Judge Ryan asked Washington if he shot the gun in self-defense. The defendant didn’t reply and expressed that he needed to have a ready answer. He told the defense that he will give both Washington and defense attorney Nicholas Lauckland time to negotiate and set a new sentencing date.

“I don’t want anyone pleading guilty to something they know they didn’t do”. Judge Ryan said.

According to court documents, an argument between Washington and two female victims that were grazed by gunfire was over trash being left in the hallway of their apartment. 

Then the complainant’s husband reportedly stepped in to break up the fight by choking  Washington. He reaches for his gun to fight against the husband and ends up shooting the two female victims.

Both parties are set to reconvene on April 20.