‘Heartbroken’ Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 18 Years Imprisonment

By Hattie Saal [former] - August 11, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

In an Aug. 11 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Michael Dolson to 18 years in prison for his role in the 2022 stabbing death of Kenneth Thomas Jr. 

On March 24, Dolson, 36, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in a knife attack at a DC nightclub on March 14, 2022. The incident left Thomas, 42, dead on the 1900  block of 9th Street, NW. 

According to court documents, Thomas, Dolson, and an unidentified woman accompanying Dolson all shared a table at the nightclub until a verbal altercation broke out between Thomas and Dolson. Dolson reportedly pulled out a knife, slashed Thomas’ face, and stabbed him in the upper chest, leaving Thomas incapacitated. Both Dolson and the woman accompanying him fled the scene following the stabbing. 

The prosecution requested a sentence of 18 years, emphasizing the seriousness of Dolson’s offense and the need for sufficient time as punishment for his actions. 

Several of Thomas’ family members addressed the court to highlight Thomas’ character and implore Judge Brandt to sentence Dolson to the full 18 year sentence. 

Thomas’ stepfather spoke of Thomas’ “kind spirit” and “drive” to “live his best life.” His mother vocalized her grief that her son’s “voice will become a distant memory,” asking the court, “What is 18 years compared to the death of my son?” 

Thomas’ father voiced his anger and turned to face Dolson saying, “You have devastated my whole family. If it were up to me, you’d get 30 years.” 

The defense spoke of Dolson’s “deep remorse” for his actions, stating that Dolson “made the worst decision of his life” on the night of March 14, 2022. The defense counsel also spoke of Dolson’s upbringing without a father and the effects of growing up in a community “marked by violence.” 

When requesting the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, 10-and-a-half, years, the defense counsel assured the court that Dolson’s goal “is to use his time to build himself into his best self.” 

In his allocution statement, Dolson expressed that he was “really, really deeply sad” over Thomas’ death and that he “didn’t want this to happen.” Dolson attempted to empathize with Thomas’ family, stating “I know all about pain,” and asked for forgiveness. 

Before the hearing, Dolson’s sister reached out to Thomas’ family to apologize and express condolences on Dolson’s behalf. Though her apology wasn’t appreciated at the time, Thomas’ family emphasized their gratitude during the hearing. 

Before sentencing Dolson, Judge Brandt extended her condolences to Thomas’ family, wishing that she had the power “to make you [Thomas’ family] whole again.” 

Turning towards Dolson, Judge Brandt accepted his apology and stressed her care for everyone involved “regardless of what seat you sit in.” Judge Brandt had presided over Dolson in a previous matter and spoke of her “heartbreak” seeing Dolson before her yet again. 

“Somewhere, in this menagerie, I’m responsible because what I tried to do to help you [Dolson] didn’t work,” Judge Brandt said sadly. 

She sentenced Dolson to 18 years in prison with five years of supervised release, emphasizing that there is “no excuse for senseless violence.” 

She also ordered Dolson to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund and recommended participation in trauma-informed therapy during his time incarcerated. 

“Despite all of this, I still believe you and believe in you,” Judge Brandt said to Dolson, turning to face him. “Keep hope, Mr. Dolson. Keep hope.”