DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied sentencing a shooting defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Jan. 30.
Nathaniel Washington, 21, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2025 to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 7, 2025, on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported, but approximately 15 shots were fired, striking a vehicle twice.
As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a five year prison sentence, subject to Judge Arthur’s approval.
At sentencing, prosecutors played surveillance video depicting a white vehicle stopped in the roadway as two people walked behind it and began firing while the vehicle drove away. The driver, described by prosecutors as a senior citizen adjusting his seatbelt, was not injured.
Washington’s attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, asked the court to apply the YRA, which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed or cleared after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility for the defendant.
Jean-Baptiste said Washington experienced trauma from the violent neighborhood he grew up in. Regarding the offense, she said Washington misinterpreted the vehicle stopping as a threat and fired out of fear. Jean-Baptiste added that Washington previously took medication that affected his behavior.
Washington addressed the court, accepted responsibility for his actions, apologized to the victim, and said he wanted to take care of his family.
Prosecutors read a brief statement written by the victim, stating they were satisfied Washington was caught and had nothing further to add.
Judge Arthur rejected the defense’s explanation of events, stating the video evidence contradicted the claim that Washington acted out of fear. The judge said it made no sense for Washington to run toward a vehicle as it was driving away and fire multiple shots if he were scared. Washington fired repeatedly at an occupied vehicle in a public space, emphasized Judge Arthur, and noted the number of shots reflected a serious escalation of violence.
Judge Arthur told Washington that a prior firearm conviction should have served as a clear warning to change his actions. The judge said Washington instead chose to possess another weapon and fire at an innocent person, stating, “At some point this needs to stop.” He added that repeated behavior like this is “why people characterize the neighborhood as violent.”.
Finding the Youth Rehabilitation Act inappropriate, Judge Arthur sentenced Washington to five years of imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release. Washington will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.
“You want to be a man, own it!” said the judge.
No further dates were set.
