‘I Hope You Rot in Hell for This,’ Says Victim’s Sister as Homicide Defendant OK’d For Las Vegas Trip

By Ella Munnelly - October 2, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a homicide defendant’s request to leave the District on a personal trip, despite the victim’s family members expressing frustration over the decision in an Oct. 2 hearing.

Desmond Gaskin, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree theft, and destruction of property less than 1000 dollars. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr. on July 19, 2022 on the 400 block of Burbank Street, NE. 

During the hearing, Jason Tulley, Gaskin’s defense attorney, addressed a motion that he filed on Sept. 5 requesting that Gaskin be granted permission to travel to Las Vegas for his girlfriend’s birthday celebration. Gaskin is currently released on personal recognizance with 24-hour GPS monitoring, which prohibits his leaving the jurisdiction without permission. 

Gaskin’s supervised release officer stated that he had been compliant with all of the terms of his release and there have been no issues. 

“It helps psychologically for someone who has been working as hard as he has to take a break,” said Tulley. 

The prosecution stated that allowing him to travel creates an unnecessary risk, especially to Las Vegas considering it is a city of “excess.” 

“You took something I can never get back,” Whittington’s sister, who was present remotely, stated. She added, “I hope you rot in hell for this. I know you did it, you know you did it, my brother knows you did it.”

The prosecution added that the victim’s family is frustrated that Gaskin is on release in the first place, much less allowing him to travel.

Judge Raffinan ruled that because Gaskin has been in substantial compliance with his release, he will be permitted to make the trip. Gaskin is required to submit all travel information to the court, keep his GPS monitoring on, and drug test upon his return to the DC area. 

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 11.