DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a carjacking defendant to seven years and one day on Aug. 7.
On June 9, Parren Hawkins, 33, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his involvement in a on the 300 block of 15th St, NE on Feb. 2.
Although the victim did not make an appearance, the individual did write a statement. The victim indicated that the crime affected the invidiuah who was out of a job for a month-and-a-half.
“This is not a one person problem,” the person wrote, “this is a community problem.”
The prosecution requested Hawkins be sentenced to the mandatory minimum of seven years for the unarmed carjacking.
Hawkins’ defense attorney, Martin Rosendorf, stated that his client had recently lost his grandmother and began drinking heavily as a result. On the night of the incident, he stated that his client had ingested alcohol and psychedelics. One of Hawkins’ first statements to Rosendorf was that he didn’t remember anything that happened, but after waking up in the hospital, he felt very remorseful for his actions.
However, Rosendorf explained, Hawkins has been involved in grief counseling during his incarceration. Having children, Hawkins asked for admission to a facility that offers support programs so he can become a better person and parent.
Rosendorf requested that his client be sentenced to the seven year mandatory minimum plus an added day.
“I send my sincerest apologies to the victim in my case,” said Hawkins, adding “I’m dedicated and committed to make right of my wrongdoings,” said Hawkins.
“I no longer have any desire to indulge in anything that alters or impairs my decisionmaking,” he continued
Judge Salerno stated that he would recommend Hawkins be placed in a prison that offers the support programs he requested.
Hawkins was sentenced to seven years and a day for unarmed carjacking with three years of supervised release.
He was also sentenced to three years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict with three years of supervised release.
Both sentences are to run concurrent to one another, and Hawkins must also register as a gun offender.
No further dates were set.
