Judge Revokes Probation for Homicide Defendant

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On Feb. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun revoked a homicide defendant’s probation based on his violation of release conditions.

On January 21, 2020, Adrian Vinson, 23, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Tahlil Byrd on Sept. 29, 2019, at the 600 block of S Street.

Vinson was originally sentenced to five years of incarceration with 18 months of supervised release for involuntary manslaughter.

When Vinson was placed on probation for 18 months, during his release, he allegedly violated the terms of probation by committing a new offense, causing him to be re-arrested on a Fugitive from Justice Charge, which is being handled in District Court.

In the hearing, the prosecution asked for an additional six months to be added to his manslaughter sentence and three years of supervised release, insisting he failed to comply with the conditions of his probation for the involuntary manslaughter charge. The prosecution mentioned that during his sentencing, Vinson was “given a gift” and “it should’ve been a wake-up call.”

The prosecution alerted the court that they are aware that if Vinson didn’t shoot first, Byrd would’ve probably shot him.

They alleged that Vinson made a rap career out of Byrd’s murder. The prosecution’s main concern was how Vinson showed a lack of remorse for his actions, and used his experience of murdering Byrd, for “clout.”

Vinson’s defense attorney, Douglas Wood, agreed that an additional six months to the original sentence and three years of supervised release was appropriate.

Judge Okun agreed with all parties and sentenced Vinson to six months of incarceration consecutively and three years of supervised release concurrently with the original sentence.

No further dates were set.