Family Decries 12-Year Murder Sentence in Plea Deal

By Rebecca Connor [former] - July 10, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 7, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Nelson Davis to 12-years in prison following emotional testimony from family members lamenting the loss of their loved one.

Davis, 19, who was originally charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting 45-year-old Jason Ford on the 1700 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on June 25, 2022, agreed to plead guilty to a lessor charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Judge Brandt originally accepted a conditional deal on April 13, holding off final approval in order to determine whether Davis’s criminal history score fell within the range laid out in the agreement.  For voluntary manslaughter, Davis’s score requires a range of 8-years-six-months to 12-years in prison, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty. 

The prosecution attempted to demonstrate Nelson’s lack of remorse by after the homicide, stating he Googled, “How to get away with murder.”

To argue Davis should get the maximum penalty, the prosecution called several members of the victim’s family to testify about his character and the impact that his death had on the community. 

They said he had been a beacon of emotional support, especially over the last few years, and that his death left a gap in their lives that could never be filled. 

Ford’s protective and community-minded nature was also discussed, with one family member’s stating that during the attack Ford was trying to protect others in jeopardy.

They all indicated frustration with the plea deal, saying the maximum penalty was too light. One family member stated that only giving the defendant 12-years is “equivalent to pouring salt on the wound.”

Davis apologized to the family for his actions. 

“My intention was never to do what I did,” said Davis. 

Davis’ mentor argued the criminal justice system had failed him, and in doing so failed the victim and his family as well. 

Defense attorney Carrie Weletz also asked the court to consider sentencing Davis under DC’s Youth Rehabilitation Act, which emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, Judge Brandt indicated that the severity of the crime and a past adult conviction led her away from that option.

Judge Brandt imposed the maximum sentence under the guidelines. 

She concurred with the family’s dissatisfaction, stating “I wish it could be more under the circumstances, but my hands are tied.”

She also acknowledged the emotional impact of the family’s statement, saying that they were a “master class of grace and strength.”

In addition to being sentenced to prison, Davis must serve 5 years of supervised probation and register as a gun offender.