Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Leah Meyer
- March 31, 2025
Daily Stories
|
Non-Fatal Shooting
|
Suspects
|
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to five years in prison on March 31.
Mekhi Wilkins, 19, was initially charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred at the 200 block of 37th Place, SE on Aug. 20, 2024. One individual sustained injuries to her ankle.
In a separate case, Wilkins was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These counts stem from his alleged involvement in shootings that occurred on the 1100 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE and the 1600 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on Jan. 20, 2024. No one was injured as a result.
Wilkins pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, stemming from the incident on Aug. 20. Through the deal, parties agreed to dismiss the charges for the Jan. 20 shootings.
During the hearing, prosecutors requested Judge Park sentence Wilkins to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. They stated that this sentence is “relatively low” due to his age and work as an accomplished musician in the community, and will “hopefully interrupt the cycle that Mr. Wilkins has gotten himself into.”
According to the prosecution, Wilkins shot at four innocent people in a car, one who sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle while holding her one-year-old son in her arms. Prosecutors called the victim “extremely lucky.”
Varsha Govindaraju, Wilkins’ defense attorney, argued for Wilkins to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
She argued that growing up, most of Wilkins’ role models passed away from gun violence and “it felt like everyone was dying around him.”
Govindaraju stated that on the day of the incident, Wilkins shot at that vehicle because he thought it was the same car he saw when he sustained a gunshot wound on Jan. 20.
“He did not have the ability to process both fear and paranoia,” Govindaraju said, adding that he “turned to what others in his community have turned to.”
Judge Park ruled that the YRA would not apply, stating that Wilkins’ conduct in this case “gives the court a lot of pause.”
The defense also requested Judge Park recommend Wilkins for two separate rehabilitation programs, stating that “he now recognizes the importance of mental health services.” Judge Park agreed and will recommend that Wilkins be screened by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Wilkins was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release. He must also register as a gun offender and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.
No further dates were set.