Sentencing Delayed Twice for Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant  

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 1, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting |

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian pushed back sentencing for a non-fatal shooting defendant for the second time due to a delay in receiving a key document called the Youth Rehabilitation Act Study (YRA).  

Ryan Parker, 24, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a shooting on March 6 on the 3900 block of Minnesota AVE, NE, that left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries. 

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, ShotSpotter alerted to consistent sounds of gunfire in the area of the shooting. The ShotSpotter system is a software company that assists in locating gunfire throughout the District. 

MPD then located the victim, who had walked to the DC Public Library on the 3900 block of Benning Road, NE, with gunshot wounds to the right thigh and right hand. 

On Aug. 8, Parker accepted a plea deal for aggravated assault while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in exchange for the dismissal of the possession charge. 

Defense counsel for Parker, John Machado, spoke of his frustration about the delay in obtaining the YRA Study, an assessment that provides more information about young adult defendants and recommends sentencing guidelines.  

Judge Christian ruled to continue the sentencing until the YRA is obtained and reviewed. 

Parties are expected to return on Dec. 13.