Defendant Sentenced to 108 months in Prison For Shooting Two Juveniles

By Cathy Ochoa - October 1, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

In a sentencing hearing on Sept. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a shooter to 147 months, with 39 months suspended for his involvement in the shooting of two juveniles. 

On Feb. 9, Eric Lemus, 20, accepted an agreement extended by the prosecution which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured two juveniles, a 15-and a 17-year-old, on March 22, 2023, on the 1000 block of Park Road, NW. 

During the hearing, prosecutors presented video evidence capturing the sound of four gunshots, and added that 13 bullet casings were recovered from the scene. They argued Lemus presents a danger to the community. 

The victims, who did not attend the hearing due to safety concerns, submitted statements detailing their physical and emotional pain. Prosecutors sought a prison term of 219 months, citing the nature and circumstances of the incident.  

Lemus’ defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, requested a reduced sentence of 102 months for the assault charge and 60 for the possession charge to be served concurrently, citing Lemus’ age at the time of the crime, his traumatic upbringing, and his success in rehabilitation programs. 

Sukumar mentioned Lemus’ constant state of fear living in his community and the trauma this incident has caused. According to Sukumar, Lemus has shown maturity and self awareness and dedication to completing his education.

The defendant’s family appeared before the court to show support. 

Judge Raffinan imposed a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), with supervised release and an intervention plan. The YRA allows a defendant’s conviction to be sealed if the individual successfully completes all sentencing requirements. 

Judge Raffinan imposed a sentence of 108 months for the assault with intent to kill while armed charge, and 60 months for the possession charge, which will run concurrently. The court also granted a stay-away order from the area where the shooting took place and from the victims.

No further dates were set.