‘You Have Robbed Me of My First Born Son,’ Said Victim’s Mother at Sentencing

By Ashley Fajardo Perez [former] , Grace Nardei [former] - February 16, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 16, before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, a defendant was sentenced to 12 years in prison with a mandatory five year minimum for his involvement in a homicide.

Jamaarr Morgan, 23, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, 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 the shooting death of Jacques Benjamin Russ, 44, on Dec. 14, 2021, on the unit block of 61st Street, NE. 

On July 12, 2023, Morgan accepted a plea extended by prosecutors, which required he plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. The parties agreed to follow the DC Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines on the count, which is a sentencing range of seven-and-a-half to 15 years due to Morgan’s lack of criminal history. 

During the sentencing, the prosecution presented a written statement by Russ’ mother on how the fatal shooting of her son had impacted her. 

“You have robbed me of my first born son,” said the statement, adding that Russ’ mother cannot help but cry when she thinks of how her son, who was blind, died in the street alone.

Morgan’s defense attorney, Dana Page, argued for Morgan to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA),  which allows youth offenders’ cases to be virtually sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Page emphasized Morgan’s history of mental illness, adding that he has been a victim of a stabbing and two shootings. She argued  that he acted in self defense when shooting Russ. 

The prosecution argued against this, citing the evidence significantly undermining the claim he acted in self defense.   

The prosecution noted that Morgan was suspended from every school that he attended, had a history of repetitive lying, and  committed the offense in spite of strong family support.

Judge Demeo questioned Morgan’s capacity to be rehabilitated, doubting that the work that was done on Morgan’s part would lead to prevention of other offenses. 

The judge ultimately decided against sentencing Morgan under YRA guidelines, and imposed 12 years incarceration and five years of supervised release. 

In addition, Judge Demeo required Morgan to participate in a program to improve his mental illness and register as a gun offender for two years following his release. 

No further dates were set.