It’s, ‘Difficult to Feel Safe and Secure,’ Shooting Victim Says

By Mackenzie Konjoyan [former] - June 27, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a shooting defendant to 24 months on June 26. 

Paul Poston, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 29, 2023, at the intersection of O Street and Carrollsburg Place, SW. No one was injured during the incident. 

According to court documents, Poston and his co-defendant, Gerald Day, 32, shot at the victim’s car after a fight broke out following a party. 

The victim’s impact statement shared the financial damages to her car and the emotional toll of the crime since she lost her father in a similar manner. 

“The more pressing matter is the fact that a threat on my life was made,” the victim said after discussing the $6,000 in damages she faces with her “bullet-ridden” car.

“It has made it incredibly difficult to feel safe and secure,” the victim continued.

The prosecution argued that Poston’s conduct was “extremely dangerous” and could have caused physical harm to many individuals since the shots were fired in a residential neighborhood. 

Peter Odom, Poston’s defense attorney, argued that Poston acknowledged he was in the wrong and has been remorseful since the beginning of the proceedings. Odom described Poston as hard-working, educated and a family man.

Poston is active in the lives of his four children and the children of his current partner, who was present at the sentencing, Odom said. 

Poston’s previous employment included working in the army national guard, as an armed security guard, and at the detention facility he is being detained in. Odom said Poston has experienced enough shame and remorse from this situation that a long sentence would not be required to avoid recidivism.

The prosecution argued Poston’s previous employment displayed how distressing the conditions of the incident were because the public trust Poston acquired from his previous positions was tarnished. 

“If I would have thought a little further, my children would still have their dad,” Poston wrote in a statement.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Poston to 24 months, suspending all but 10 months. He must also serve one year on supervised release. 

Judge Di Toro stated this was not an action of self defense and serious bodily harm could have been caused, but she took into account that this was Poston’s first felony and he has been a productive member of the community prior to the incident. 

Poston is also required  to register as a gun offender and pay a $100 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).