Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Five Years Claims He was An Intoxicated Version of Himself

By Lucy Orgolini - September 17, 2024
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a shooting defendant to 60 months in prison with three years of probation on Sept. 17. 

On June 12, Alonte Miller, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the shooting of two individuals on April 20 on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

Parties agreed that due to his criminal history, the sentencing guidelines required Miller to be sentenced to a range of 18-to-60 months of incarceration. 

The prosecution read a letter written by one of the victims, who attended the proceeding remotely. 

In the letter, the victim told Judge Salerno she now suffers from sleep problems, migraines, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a loss of trust in the community, a loss of her routines, and hearing loss. 

She added she hopes Miller loses his sense of life, the way she has since the incident. 

The other victim said that the trauma was too much for her, and she left DC after the attack. 

The prosecution asked Judge Salerno to impose the maximum sentencing time of 60 months incarcerated and three years of probation, citing the severity of the attack. The prosecution presented photos of the victim’s injuries behind her ear and a video of the attack.  

Stephen LoGerfo, Miller’s attorney, requested he receive a probationary sentence that considered the five months he’s already been incarcerated. 

The defense claimed that the attack was out of character for Miller, that he had blacked out and had no memory of the event. 

According to LoGerfo, when Miller first saw the footage of the incident, he was visibly shocked by his actions. LoGerfo stated Miller’s history of substance abuse and alcoholism should considered a pressing matter and requested he be given a chance to seek treatment in the community. 

LoGerfo wanted Miller sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete their sentencing requirements. 

In a letter written and read by Miller to Judge Salerno, he argued the person on the surveillance footage wasn’t him, arguing that the individual was an intoxicated version of himself. He claimed he would have never committed the crime had he been sober. 

He further argued that he believes he is not a danger to the community and, after being incarcerated for multiple months, recognizes what a privilege it is to be free in the community. He spoke of his goals for the future, including completing schooling and being committed to his family. He requested that he be given a chance to serve the sentence in the community.

Judge Salerno denied the request for a YRA sentence, stating that the offenses were too severe. He argued Miller’s involvement in the shooting occurred two months after his probation was over in another matter. 

Miller will be required to register as a gun offender. 

No further dates were set.