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By
Emily Carrillo
, John Battistelli - February 12, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a defendant to a total of 18 months behind bars on Feb. 11.
Owen Mendez, 19, was convicted for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license following his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2023 at a parking garage on the 1600 block of L Street, NW. A vehicle was damaged by gunfire, but no individuals were injured.
The prosecution sought a total sentence of 60 months for the assault with a dangerous weapon and 18 months for the firearm offense. They emphasized that Mendez contributed to the shooting problem in DC linking firearms to social settings involving drinking and clubbing.
Prosecutors argued that Mendez had the opportunity to walk away from the confrontation but returned to the scene and open fire.
Additionally, the prosecution noted that this was not Mendez’s first contact with the justice system, citing prior assault issues.
Mendez’s attorney Nabeel Kibria, argued for leniency, asserting that he had no prior arrests, had come to DC to have a good time, and suggested that he had the intention to shoot but not kill.
“ I regret it every day, and it’s never going to happen again,” Mendez said.
Judge Park sentenced Mendez to 48 months of incarceration with 30 months suspended for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, in addition to three years of supervised release..
For the charge of carrying a pistol without a license, Mendez is sentenced to 18 months of incarceration with 12 months suspended and three years of supervised release. These two sentences are slated to run concurrently.
The court imposed additional conditions, including probation and community service.