DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a shooting defendant to 60 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release on Aug. 6.
On April 30, Marquise Vauss, 22, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Sept. 17, 2024 on the 1700 block of D Street, NE.
According to court documents, Vauss arrived at the victim’s residence and shot at her vehicle as she was attempting to drive away. No injuries were reported. Vauss and the victim were romantically involved.
The prosecutor requested that Vauss be sentenced to 60 months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, to run concurrently.
The prosecutor said that she had previously been in contact with the victim, who made it clear that she did not want to press charges or proceed with the case since its inception.
Additionally, the prosecutor claimed Vauss had not taken responsibility as his pre-sentence report stated he claimed to have shot at the ground, that the victim was being “petty,” and that he could have shot her if he wanted to.
Vauss’ defense attorney, Thomas Key, said that Vauss acknowledged that his actions were wrong, to which Judge Hertfeld replied, “I don’t buy it.”
Key asked the court to consider that the victim did not want to proceed with the case. Key requested a sentence of 30 months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm to run concurrently.
Further, he requested that Vauss be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
When asked if he wanted to address the court, Vauss said that his actions were not excusable and despite the issues between him and his girlfriend, he had no intention of hurting her.
Judge Hertzfeld, puzzled, asked Vauss why he shot a gun at his girlfriend if he didn’t intend to hurt hert?
Vauss claimed he had made a mistake and that his girlfriend knew he did not mean to harm her as she allowed him in the vehicle a few minutes after the incident.
“It was an irrational mistake that took me away from the people I love… I’m so much better than this,” said Vauss.
Vauss told Judge Hertzfeld that while in jail, he was able to make progress and earn an anger management certificate and was taking General Educational Development (GED) and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) courses. He also mentioned that he had unfortunately missed his brother’s funeral due to being incarcerated,
Judge Hertzfeld acknowledged the progress he had made in jail, but told him that the nature of this case was not one that fit into the bottom of the sentencing guidelines.
“This isn’t your first time around this block… so far, you have been a menace to other people,” said Judge Hertzfeld.
Judge Hertzfeld imposed a sentence of 60 months of incarceration for count assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction to run concurrently.
In addition, Vauss would be placed on three years of supervised release, was ordered to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF), and register as a gun offender.
No further dates were set.
