‘The Punishment Does Have to Fit the Crime,’ Judge Says During Carjacking, Shooting Sentencing

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DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a carjacking and shooting defendant to 18 years in prison on July 26.

Tavon Owens, 31, was found guilty by a jury of assault with significant body injury while armed, armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license and unauthorized use of a vehicle for a carjacking and shooting. The incident occurred on Dec. 12, 2022, on the 1400 block of Newton Street, NW. There was one victim who sustained non-life threatening injuries.

According to court documents, Owens shot a woman in the leg before stealing her car and driving it across the city to the 1400 block of Bangor Street, SE, where he was arrested.

During the hearing, the victim said her injuries limit her ability to stand for long periods of time.

She also said she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder because of Owens’ actions.

“I hope he has to think about me as much as I have to think about him,” the victim said during her statement.

The prosecution stated Owens’ pre-sentence interview showed “no remorse” for his actions. They said they recommend Owens be given the maximum sentence of 18 years in prison.

Owens’ defense attorney, Steven Polin, said the prosecution’s arguments regarding remorse should not be taken into consideration because Owens has maintained his innocence and therefore does not have a reason to be remorseful.

He also said Owens’ biological father abandoned his family when he was child which made Owens feel angry. He said this led Owens to suffer from mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Agreeing with the prosecution, Judge Pasichow sentenced Owens to a total of 18 years in prison with the counts running concurrently, including 10 years for the two count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, six-and-a-half years for assault with significant bodily injury, and three years each for unlawful possession of a firearm under a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

“The punishment does have to fit the crime,” Judge Pasichow said in reference to the victim’s impact statement.

Judge Pasichow also ordered Owens to serve five years of supervised release and register as a gun offender on release.

No further dates were set.