Defendant Sentenced to 18-and-a-Half Years For Father’s Homicide

By Lexie Manning [former] - October 15, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During an Oct. 15 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a defendant to 18- and-a half years in prison for a homicide.

Christian Arndt, 28, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of his 54-year-old father, Donald Arndt that occurred on Jan. 28, 2021 on the 3300 block of Newark Street, NW

According to court documents, Arndt beat his father to death with a metal baseball bat. Prior to his arrest, the defendant served as a practicing attorney. 

On June 2, Arndt accepted a deal that reduced the charge from first-degree murder while armed to voluntary manslaughter. The charge requires that Arndt serve eight-and-a-half to 18-and-a half years of incarceration and five years of supervised release. 

Arndt’s mother delivered an emotional victim impact statement, explaining her deceased husband would “want me to be brave and take care of Christian”. Turning directly to the defendant, she said, “We are here Chris, with you. We are going to support you.” 

Looking at his mother in the audience, Arndt apologized to his family for “putting them through this.” 

Weighing the sentence, Judge Okun explained that “the parties have agreed to a plea, and I have to decide whether to accept that plea.” 

Before accepting the plea, Judge Okun described it as a “thoughtful, individually tailored plea agreement” and acknowledged how both parties negotiated the outcome.

Arndt was sentenced to 18-and-a-half years incarceration for voluntary manslaughter while armed with five years of supervised release and five years probation. Arndt also must participate in cognitive behavioral therapy twice a week, as well as outpatient or inpatient treatment, and not use alcohol or narcotic substances.

Before wishing the defendant luck, Judge Okun acknowledged the presence of Arndt’s mother by saying “I can tell how much she cares for you.”