DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a shooting defendant, also guilty of a stabbing, to 96 months of imprisonment on Aug. 22.
On June 13, Dontrell Harrison, 48, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 17, 2023. The incident occurred on the 2100 block of I Street, NE. Harrison’s neighbor, the intended victim, sustained injuries during the incident.
The same day, Harrison pleaded guilty to simple assault for his involvement in a stabbing on April 22, 2024. This incident took place on the 300 block of Livingston Terrace, SE.
The prosecution requested that Harrison be sentenced to 96 months for assault with intent to kill and 180 days for simple assault. Prosecutors mentioned Harrison’s long criminal history and stated that on the day of the incident, Harrison waited for the victim in the apartment building lobby while holding a firearm and allegedly pointed it at the victim’s partner and child.
Errin Scialpi, Harrison’s attorney, claimed that Harrison was minding his business in the lobby when the victim became aggressive, triggering Harrison’s past trauma of being imprisoned. Scialpi claimed the victim pushed Harrison first and that this was not their first verbal confrontation.
According to his attorney, Harrison acknowledged that he did not act in self-defense.
Harrison took responsibility for his actions but he didn’t not agree with all of the prosecution’s claims, denying that he pointed a gun towards the victim’s partner and child. Harrison stated that he was being constantly harassed and threatened by his neighbor.
No victim impact statement was given.
Judge Dayson stated the defendant has a pattern of “interpersonal conflict” that ends in unlawful behavior. However, the judge also acknowledged Harrison’s willingness to take accountability.
For assault with intent to kill, Harrison was sentenced to 96 months incarceration and three years of supervised release.
Harrison was also sentenced to 180 days for simple assault.
The sentences are to run concurrently and Harrison will be required to register as a gun offender upon release.
No further dates were set.
