‘Whatever Decision You Make, It’s God’s Decision,’ Says Defendant at Sentencing

By Madelyn Nall - September 30, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a carjacking defendant to seven years in prison during a emotional hearing before Wilson’s family and supporters on Sept. 27.

Tykel Wilson, 22, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on April 29, 2023, on the 900 block of Allison Street, NW. Wilson committed the crime while on probation for two other incidents, including armed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon. 

Wilson was sentenced on both previous cases under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). That means if sentencing, probation, and all special conditions are met then Wilson’s conviction record would be sealed, and the minimum sentencing guidelines could be waived. 

The prosecution requested Judge Salerno consider Wilson’s criminal history and the nature of the crime, asking for the top third of the sentencing guidelines, 104 months for each charge. 

Defense attorney Joseph Fay asked for a sentence under YRA guidelines not exceed 72 months. He stated that Wilson had low self-esteem and self-worth, but could see Wilson was capable of rehabilitation.

Wilson’s supporting family members took up three rows of seats in the courtroom.

Tykel’s mother discussed how the family was struggling with the recent death of her son, Tykel’s brother. She spoke about how Wilson didn’t get to attend his funeral and how her son started to rethink his recent actions.

“I love you Tykel. You are a good son. You know that,” she said, displaying her sweatshirt with all of the Wilson family. “These are my children…I don’t want these years to fall off.”

“Our family has been through a lot this past year,” Tykel’s sister said. “With the murder of our brother, I just want [Wilson] back home. He’s the glue.”

Before sentencing, Judge Salerno stated that he appreciated Wilson’s family’s support, but all he could do was determine how long Wilson’s sentence would be, not to give him a chance at coming home. 

“With the Youth Act, you get the benefit of the doubt. However, according to his record, instead of things getting better, they seem to be getting worse,” Judge Salerno said, emphasizing that both the Youth Act and pre-sentencing committees recommended incarceration. “He has already had several chances which created new cases. The problem with this is that it creates new victims.”

Therefore, the judge said the previous YRA terms would not apply to the current sentencing.

“I want to apologize to my family. I miss my family. To the victim I also apologize. I realize it was a mistake,” Wilson said. “Whatever decision you make, it’s God’s decision,” he continued.

Judge Salerno sentenced Wilson to 84 months in prison for carjacking and 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He said the time was the minimum sentencing required under the guidelines for the charges. Due to the plea deal, both sentences could be carried out at the same time.

“You will still be young when you get out, and you will have the support of amazing family and friends,” the judge said.

Wilson’s mother asked Judge Salerno how many years 84 months was, and when she learned it was seven, she let out a devastated sigh as though she lost another son. 

“He can do so much better than being incarcerated,” Wilson’s grandmother said, “He needs time to grow.”

Some Wilson family members reacted emotionally and left the courtroom immediately after the sentencing. Tears were shed as Wilson was led away in handcuffs by the US Marshals.

No further dates have been set in this case.