Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to Nine Years in Prison

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant to nine years of incarceration as part of a plea agreement wiring two separate cases.

Jermaine Harris, 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle-crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting with other suspects.

This incident led to the death of Lamar Walters, 38, and occurred on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE, on Jan. 6, 2020.

Harris was also charged with four additional counts including conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the stabbing of another inmate with other suspects while being held in DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 6, 2023.

On March 21, Harris accepted a deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in connection to Walters’ death, and assault with intent to kill while armed, in connection to the stabbing, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges against him.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of seven-to-nine years of incarceration.

At the hearing, Walters’ dad gave the prosecution a statement to read expressing desire for the court to deny the plea agreement and open up the defendant to more severe sentencing, following the motto ,“If you take a life you should give up yours.”

During the June 13 hearing, the prosecution played a video depicting the murder while citing the nature and brutality of Harris’ involvement.

“He just went along with it” and then added “you don’t just ‘go along’ with a murder.”

Furthermore, the prosecution claims Harris fails to show remorse and accept responsibility for his role in the murder.

The prosecution played another video of Harris’ role in a stabbing occurring in the DC jail, questioning his behavioral development.

They claim that Harris should receive the more severe sentence of nine years and should not receive the benefit of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a defendant’s conviction once they’ve successfully completed all sentencing requirements.

However, defense attorney Jonathan Zucker claimed Harris has “tremendous potential” and should not have the YRA request denied.

During the hearing, Zucker discussed Harris’ involvement in the classroom and taking college level courses while tutoring others.

Furthermore, Zucker reminded the court of Harris’ limited criminal history before the charges and discussed the absence of parental roles for the defendant while growing up.

While Judge Brandt acknowledged progress in the classroom and involvement in educational programs, she drew attention to the video of the stabbing and questioned his growth relating to the incident.

Judge Brandt sentenced Harris to nine years of incarceration for the charges of voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed, with sentences for both charges running concurrently. She also denied his request to sentence him under the YRA.

Additionally, Harris will have five years of supervision after being released.

No further dates were set.