A shooting defendant shared a few words as he was sentenced before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Nov. 6.
On Oct. 15, Demann Shelton, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of more than one year.
The charges are related to his involvement in a non-fatal shooting near the Columbia Heights Metro station on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW, on Nov. 9, 2020. One individual sustained injuries.
At sentencing, Judge Dayson stated that Shelton has a criminal history score of 3.75–at the top of the scale.
The prosecution argued, “this score seems to mark an escalation in the defendant being a threat to the community.” “He fired a gun at one of the busiest Metro stations in the city,” the prosecution continued.
Shelton’s defense attorney, Emily Sufrin argued, “Mr. Shelton was going through a lot at the time. We were in the middle of the pandemic.”
Sufrin continued, “Mr. Shelton has an incredibly supportive family. His family visits him, makes phone calls, and sends him money.” She explained that this is important when considering public safety. “His family will help stay on the right track,” Sufrin stated.
Judge Dayson told Shelton that he could state a few words, but did not have to.
Shelton stated, “I don’t wanna say too much. Just know that I’m taking accountability for my actions. I’m accepting this plea, so I can move forward with my life.”
Judge Dayson explained that the offenses are very serious. “People were injured. Firing into a crowd during rush hour is very reckless behavior,” she stated.
“This is not so much an escalation, but a culmination of risky and dangerous behavior,” Judge Dayson argued.
Judge Dayson sentenced Shelton to three years of imprisonment with three years of supervised release. All sentences and supervised releases will run concurrent to each other.
Additionally, Judge Dayson ordered Shelton to register as a gun offender.
No further dates have been set.
