Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant, Denies Request for Youth Consideration

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DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a shooting defendant sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Aug. 23 because the case involved shooting a woman who was holding her child in a residence.

Darrious Johnson, 23, was originally charged with three counts of intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly, second-degree cruelty to children, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident occurring on May 5, 2023, on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

The incident stemmed from a dispute over money.

Prosecutors told Judge Epstein that other peoples’ lives were threatened by Johnson who was already a gun offender at the time of the incident. They said Johnson showed no remorse for his actions that threatened the lives of young children.

“It’s a crime we can’t have happening in our city,” the prosecutor said. “At the very time he committed this offense he was on probation for another gun offense.”

A victim impact statement was read to the court from an individual who would not wish the pain and suffering the person still endures on anyone including the fear of losing their life.

“That night replays in my head to the point where I don’t want to go anywhere,” the victim shared. “There’s a metal plate in my arm. I’m internally and forever damaged.”

Judge Epstein said he hopes Johnson can deal with his “impulsiveness” through his prison experience.

“One or more people could easily have died,” Judge Epstein said. “Injuries have caused lasting consequences. Mr. Johnson has only one prior conviction. This case illustrates why the District regulates handgun use.”

Judge Epstein imposed a consecutive five-year sentence for each of the two counts of aggravated assault plus one for child cruelty, which he explained to the court is efficient to achieve his goals of providing consequences for Johnson’s behavior through a significant sentence. He added that he will not impose a YRA sentence since the plea agreement is already very generous. The YRA allows young defendant’s convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

No further dates were set.