DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt suspended a sentence for a defendant who accepted a plea deal in a domestic stabbing case on July 8.
Sunshine Bangura, 37, was originally charged with first-degree cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic stabbing incident on the unit block of Todd Place, NE on June 21. Her 15-year-old daughter sustained injuries during the incident.
Bangura’s attorney, Atiq Ahmed, informed the court of her decision to waive a preliminary hearing and accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution. Bangura pled guilty to attempted second-degree cruelty to children in exchange for the prosecution’s waiving an indictment and dismissing the remaining counts.
The prosecution provided the court with the proffer of facts, stating that between June 21 and 22, Bangura had engaged in a physical altercation with her 15-year-old daughter. Bangura allegedly punched her in the face, kicked her stomach, and cut her with a knife above her left eyebrow and wrist causing her to bleed significantly.
The prosecution provided a statement from the victim, who said the incident was blown out of proportion, Bangura was still her mother, and she just wanted her to come home.
While the prosecutors said they understood the stress placed on Bangura as a working mother of ten children, they said there was no excuse for attacking a child with a knife. They recommended Bangura go through mental health and alcohol treatment, as well as parenting classes during a two year probation.
Ahmed stated that Bangura worked at Howard University Hospital and was studying nursing at the University of the District of Columbia with the goal of providing a bigger house for her children. Judge Brandt informed her that she was unsure of the implications a guilty plea would have on her nursing career, however Bangura remained firm on pleading guilty.
“I love my kids. My kids are my number one priority,” said Bangura. “I’m not perfect, I will never be perfect, but I’ll try my best.”
Judge Brandt told Bangura, “I hear you when you say you love your kids and I believe you with all my heart, but you need some help,” adding that physical confrontation should never be an option.
Judge Brandt accepted Bangura’s guilty plea and sentenced her to 180 days with all time suspended, one year of supervised probation, and a $50 contribution to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).
As part of her probation, Bangura must complete a parenting class, continue mental health and alcohol treatment, and use no physical discipline on any of her children. Additionally, Judge Brandt specifically ordered Bangura not to harass, assault, threaten, stalk, or destroy any property belonging to the daughter involved in the incident.
A release order was filed, and Judge Brandt told Bangura, “Go home, hug your children, but do not be afraid to speak up and say I need help.”
No further dates were set.
