DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a murder defendant to 25 years during an emotional sentencing on July 11.
Bernard Eddy, 25, was found guilty of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The charges stem from his involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.
During the sentencing, Judge Ryan stated that no matter what happened at sentencing, many wouldn’t be pleased with the outcome due to the different meanings and understanding of justice each individual has.
“Justice can’t bring back my son,” the victim’s mother said with tears streaming down her face. She also stated that not only did her family lose someone special, but that Eddy’s family was also losing someone to the system.
The prosecution highlighted the evidence of stalking, the nature of the crime, and the defendant’s “obsession with firearms.” Prosecutors detailed that Eddy was heard saying “there goes a body,” before following the victim and shooting him in the back of the head.
Prosecution also acknowledged that instead of Eddy telling the police that Brathwaite could have been a suspect for a different murder case, Eddy decided to take matters into his own hands and kill Brathwaite.
The prosecution requested a 31 year sentence, asking for the top of the guideline for the murder charge and consecutive sentences for the two non-violent offenses.
Defense attorney Julie Swaney acknowledged the loss and pain of the victim’s mother, but attempted to paint Eddy in a sympathetic light.
Swaney cited Eddy’s own trauma, and noted that Eddy had previously been shot twice before and lost many family members and friends to gun violence.
Swaney said Eddy had become wrapped up in the cycle of violence within his neighborhood.
“The time you give me I will use to become a better person, a better father, a better son, and a better brother,” said Eddy whose family also attended the hearing in support.
Judge Ryan listened carefully to both sides and encouraged Eddy to truly take the time to be that better person because he still has an opportunity to do so.
Noting the nature of the crime and the absence of any real mitigating circumstances, Judge Ryan sentenced Eddy to 20 years for the murder charge, the mandatory minimum of 5 years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 20 months for carrying a pistol without a license. The sentences for the possession and carrying charges are concurrent to each other, but consecutive to the murder charge.
No further dates have been set.
