‘You Deserve to Be Punished,’ Judge Says in Sentencing

By Carolyn Flammini [former] - February 28, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples sentenced a defendant to 72 months in prison with 5 years supervised release for her involvement in a 2023 non-fatal shooting. 

Tiaquana Chandler, 42, was originally charged with conspiracy, first-degree burglary while armed, aggravated assault while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and soliciting a violent crime for her involvement in a dispute that led to a shooting on March 28, 2023, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

On Nov. 6, 2023, Chandler was convicted of conspiracy, aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. She was acquitted of all other charges. 

Chandler’s son, Donnell Tucker, 27, was charged with one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, one count of burglary while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and one count of conspiracy for his alleged involvement in the incident. 

However, a jury acquitted Tucker of all charges on Jan. 31. 

During the Feb. 28 hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Staples to impose the maximum sentence, emphasizing Chandler’s threat to the community. They added that she has shown “no acceptance of responsibility.” 

Chandler’s defense attorney, Adrien Madsen, reminded Judge Staples that Chandler was not the one who physically pulled the trigger. He also discussed her new work experience and how she has been clean of drugs since the day of the incident. 

Madsen asked Judge Staples to vacate the mandatory minimum sentencing requirement, and only sentence her to five years. 

However, Judge Staples said to Chandler, “You need to be punished for the conduct you participated in.” He highlighted the severity of injuries caused to the victim and the violent nature of the crime. 

Ultimately, Judge Staples sentenced Chandler to 72 months with 5 years supervised release. She will serve 60 months with 3 years supervised release for conspiracy, 72 months with 5 years supervised release for aggravated assault while armed, and 72 months with 3 years supervised release for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, all of which will run concurrently. 

She will also be required to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.