Judge Sentences Defendant to 7 Years in Prison Under Youth Act for Non-fatal Shooting

By LaTrina Antoine - December 17, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced Dec. 17 an 18-year-old defendant for a non-fatal shooting.

Antron Belk pleaded guilty, in September, to seven years in prison for aggregated assault while armed and seven years in prison for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentences are concurrent. Belk will be required to serve a minimum of five years in prison under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) for the non-fatal shooting of one victim on Feb. 25, 2023, on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE. 

He was initially indicted in February of assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to murder while armed, aggregated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a weapon outside a home or business and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence.

During the sentencing, the prosecutor opposed imposing YRA because of the heinousness of the crime. According to the prosecutor, Belk shot the victim multiple times in the face, chest, abdomen and sides, blinding the victim in one eye.

However, Belk’s defense attorney, Christen Romero Philips, requested he be sentenced under the YRA, citing a doctor’s evaluation that stated he was amendable to rehabilitation.

“The youth act is designed for young people who make mistakes. Not only his background, his history of trauma  and kind of what led him to be at a place where he committed the acts that brought him before the court, but also the way he’s tried to turn his life around since then have demonstrated his capacity for change and rehabilitation are important,” defense counsel said.

Belk was 16 when he committed the crime.

Th defense also pointed out that the defendant had family support, mentioning his mother, cousin and aunts attended the hearing both in person and online.

Belk took full responsibility for the crime, mentioning the tragic loss of his 10-year-old sister while he was incarcerated and being able to grow both mentally and spiritually during his time in jail.

He spoke of the goals he had for himself, including attending a project empowerment program, obtaining a commercial driver’s license and, one day, opening a tow truck business.

He also apologized to the victim and the community.

Judge Epstein decided to impose the YRA, citing the defense, saying it would be an “opportunity” for the defendant to turn his life around.

He said his decision to accept the plea agreement took into account the defendant’s age at the time, along with other factors, including the diminished culpability of juveniles, immaturity, impetuosity and a failure to appreciate risks and consequences.

As part of the plea agreement, Belk will also be required to register as a gun offender for seven years after release and pay $100 to the victims of violent crime fund.

Judge Epstein did agree to recommend that Belk participate in a parenting program and challenge program while incarcerated under the BOP.

“It’s so heartbreaking that this cycle of violence leaves so many families in our community the way your family was left when your sister was so wrongfully taken from you all,” Judge Epstein told Belk.