Manslaughter Defendant Receives 8.5-Year Sentence

By Laura Berol - July 15, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Duron Hudson on July 12 to eight-and-a-half years in prison with five years of supervised release for violent crimes from three different cases.

On Dec. 20, 2023, Hudson, 24, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while armed. He was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed and robbery for his involvement in the death of Nahzil Zaid Abdul Rahim, 50, on Nov. 29, 2019, on the 1200 block of U Street, NW. 

As part of the same plea deal, Hudson also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, assault with significant bodily injury, attempted second-degree theft, attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and two counts of simple assault, stemming from other incidents.

According to the prosecution, Hudson got into an argument with Rahim late at night on the date of the manslaughter. Hudson threw a rock at Rahim, which Rahim ran into the street to avoid. Hudson then threw a brick that knocked Rahim to the ground, where a vehicle ran over him.

“The injuries from being run over likely caused death,” the prosecutor said. He noted that Hudson was legally responsible because his actions put Rahim in danger of death.

“The family wants this guy, Hudson, to receive the maximum sentence for my brother’s death,” Rahim’s sister said in a statement that the prosecutor read in court. 

The prosecutor said that the other incidents for which Hudson was being sentenced were robberies in which he put the victims in fear for their safety through his violent actions.

“We don’t dispute the harm caused by Mr. Hudson,” said Mani Golzari, Hudson’s defense attorney, “and we extend our condolences to the [victim’s] family.”

“[Hudson] has gone through more tragedies in his short life than I have in my 43 years,” Golzari continued, arguing that Hudson’s circumstances made it difficult for him to avoid trouble.

Golzari asked Judge Brandt to sentence Hudson under the DC Youth Act, so his convictions would be expunged after he completed his sentence.

The prosecutor objected to applying the Youth Act to Hudson’s case because Hudson has committed multiple violent crimes.

“Plenty of people your age and younger have sat in this chair with criminal histories that are far worse with the same type of social dynamics that you bring to the table,” Judge Brandt said to Hudson.

Following the example of Golzari, Judge Brandt chose not to describe Hudson’s experiences in court because of the pain that could cause him.

“Clearly, based on his family history, society failed him and for that we’re all responsible,” Judge Brandt said.

“The court is going to take a chance on you, Mr. Hudson, and sentence you pursuant to the Youth Act,” Judge Brandt continued. 

She ordered him to complete the General Education Diploma [GED] and a grief counseling program while incarcerated. During supervised release, he must get a mentor and participate in a job placement or apprenticeship program.

“I just want to say, I apologize for my immature behavior, and I just want to move on with my life,” Hudson said.

No further dates were set in this case.