Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal 

By Sam Chodorow [former] - February 7, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

In a Feb. 7 hearing, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian’s courtroom.

Chanel Clinton, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting on January 18, outside of a 7-Eleven on the 4800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. The incident left one individual suffering from gunshot wounds. 

Clinton accepted an offer which required her to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution’s not indicting her on other charges.   

Clinton’s attorney, John Sample, alerted the judge and prosecutor that Clinton has no criminal history, graduated from a military school, and was working as an armed security guard at the time of the incident.

Sample requested Clinton be placed on 24-hour house arrest, and gestured towards her family members in the gallery, who agreed to house her for the duration of her supervised release.

The prosecutor reiterated that, despite the defendant’s educational achievements and career, it didn’t justify the irresponsible use of her duty firearm against the victim.

Prosecutors displayed body-worn camera footage, which showed the officer who made contact with Clinton attempting to break up the argument between Clinton and the victim. The defendant then drew her firearm and shot the victim, striking her in the shoulder.

Judge Christian denied the request, citing the severity of the offense, and the irresponsible use of her work-provided firearm. 

Parties are expected to reconvene on April 22 for sentencing.