Judge Sentences Manslaughter Defendant to Seven-and-a-Half Years

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DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a defendant to seven-and-a-half years for his involvement in a homicide during a June 12 hearing.

Clarence McKnight, 22, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Brandon Lewis. The incident occurred on the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

On Feb. 2, McKnight accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to unarmed voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of six-to-12 years of incarceration.

On June 12, prosecutors read letters written by Lewis’ mother and brother, in which they expressed disdain for the plea offer made by the prosecution.

“There are so many young people killing and its plea offers like this that do not help,” the mother said.

Prosecutors requested Judge Epstein sentence McKnight to 12 years, arguing that the plea deal was beneficial and lenient to McKnight.

Joseph McCoy, McKnight’s defense attorney, requested Judge Epstein sentence McKnight to six years, arguing he takes full responsibility for his actions and “regrets the pain he caused to the people that loved him and he loved in return.”

The case was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals young defendant’s convictions once they successfully complete all legal requirements.

Judge Epstein deemed the shooting a “senseless killing, the kind we see all too often in our community,” telling the family that imposing sentences are “the hardest job judges have.”

McKnight was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for manslaughter, with a concurrent sentence of five years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. McKnight will also be required to serve five years of supervised release, and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.