Judge Sentences Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant to 17 Years Incarceration

By Sam Chodorow [former] , Maria Andrea Morales [former] - March 21, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 21, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz sentenced a shooting defendant to 17 years of incarceration.

“He’s absolutely unable to control himself or his actions,” said Judge Leibovitz, as she imposed the penalties.

Raekwon Sutton, 26, was charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence offenses committed during releases, among other charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 4800 block of Benning Road, SE, on March 19, 2022. No injuries were reported.  

According to prosecutors, Sutton shot ten times and struck the door to the apartment occupied by Sutton’s partner and another individual twice.  

On Oct. 3, 2023, Sutton was convicted of all charges following a multi-day long trial. 

During the sentencing, the prosecutor made note of the seriousness of Sutton’s actions, stating he was on release in four other cases at the time of the offense. They added he sent threatening texts and voice messages to the victim before and after the shooting.

Sutton’s attorney, Janai Reed, explained that while he took accountability for his actions, the social background in which he grew up and the lack of mental health counseling were also partially responsible for her client’s actions.

Additionally, she noted that “no complainants are asking for a hefty penalty,” citing the lack of victim impact statements at the hearing.

Sutton, who was given the chance to address the court prior to the sentence being imposed, told the court “I apologize to the government, I apologize to the victim, I apologize for my actions.”

He will serve 204 months for assault with a dangerous weapon, 60 months for each count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 20 months for each count of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and 36 months for one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. All sentences will run concurrently.

Upon completion of his sentences, Sutton will be required to register as a gun offender, and complete three years of supervised release.