An apologetic homicide defendant received a suspended sentence from DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 15.
Franklin Dorn, 45, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his 28-year-old nephew, Antonio Brown, on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW, on Aug. 6, 2023.
On Aug. 11, a jury acquitted him of all charges, except unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
The prosecution, who was more than half an hour late to the hearing, argued for the maximum sentence of 32 months.
He argued that Dorn had only been home for a few days for this prior conviction when the incident occurred and that Dorn was well aware he could not possess a firearm.
Kevin Irving, Dorn’s attorney, argued that Dorn had acted in self-defense, as the jury had found. He said the defendant would succeed on probation. According to Irving, Dorn is looking for employment and physical therapy, and he has an interview scheduled to get housing.
“I’m just sorry for that,” Dorn said, apologizing for his actions. “I’m here today, and that’s all.”
Judge Brandt spoke directly to Brown’s mother, who was present in the courtroom. “I can also imagine the weight that’s been lifted off your shoulders knowing the jury found your brother not guilty.”
The mother had written two statements that had been submitted as part of the defense’s sentencing memorandum. It is unclear what is in these statements because they were not shared in open court.
Judge Brandt sentenced Dorn to 32 months, all suspended. She also suspended the three years of supervised release and gave him one year on probation.
“Go. Live your life,” Judge Brandt said to Dorn and his sister, wishing them good luck.
No further dates were set.
