DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced a 17-year-old shooting defendant to four years of imprisonment during a hearing on Feb. 6.
Ka’Raun Foster, 17, pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, 2025, to aggravated assault knowingly and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 29, 2025, on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW. The juvenile victim suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach, left elbow, and left shoulder during the incident.
Foster was charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious crimes.
During the sentencing, the prosecutor requested five years of imprisonment for the possession charge, concurrent with two years for the aggravated assault charge. He opposed sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which offers sentencing flexibility, allows a sentence below the mandatory minimum guidelines, and lets a defendant’s name along with their conviction be sealed after they complete their sentence.
The prosecutor added that the victim’s family, who was present in court, agreed that Foster shouldn’t be sentenced below the minimum. He stated that the good grades and large number of certificates submitted by the defense doesn’t negate the actions of shooting the 15-year-old victim in the stomach.
According to the prosecutor, Foster’s recklessness showed ,“He doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions.”
The prosecutor argued that the YRA wasn’t made for this situation because it’s not Foster’s first encounter with the law and he “doesn’t appreciate the consequences of his conduct.” Leniency in sentencing will lead to additional offenses, said the prosecutor.
Referencing Williams v. United States, a DC Court of Appeals case that addressed the circumstances in which the YRA may apply, Judge Kravitz explained that, contrary to the prosecutor’s suggestion, the case supports application of the YRA. Judge Kravitz said when a defendant does not fully appreciate the consequences of their actions, the law reduces culpability because of their diminished understanding.
Foster’s attorney, Megan Allburn asked for two years for the aggravated assault charge and four years for the possession charge to run concurrently. Allburn said that Foster appreciated the consequences of his conduct and that’s why he should be sentenced under the YRA.
Judge Kravitz corrected Allburn, saying both parties were incorrect and argued the opposite of the law. The judge further explained that for the best argument of YRA for the defense, Foster should not understand the consequences of his actions.
Allburn continued, saying that intervention, support, and education helped Foster and will continue to help him. According to Allburn, Foster continued his education while incarcerated and had not failed any classes. In addition, Foster received many certificates for his hard work and has been playing sports, acting like a “sponge– taking on all new experiences,” said Allburn.
According to Allburn, Foster reflected on his actions, had excellent behavior while incarcerated, and found new male figures in his life to guide him.
“We are certainly able to see rehabilitation at work,” Allburn remarked and continued that Foster’s success is “concrete evidence of change and maturity.”
Foster spoke to the court, saying he thinks about the incident every day, and his emotions got in the way of his thinking during the shooting. He apologized to the victim’s family and said he’s “not a troublemaker.”
According to Foster, he supported his mom and younger sister, both present in court, and it was hard for him to see them struggle during his incarceration.
Foster said he wants to go to college and “can be an example for other youth,” in turning his life around and staying out of trouble. Foster concluded his statement by reiterating his remorse for his crimes.
Before issuing his sentence, Judge Kravitz stated the case was, “not a particularly close question,” in reference to the length of the sentence due to the incident almost resulting in a homicide. Judge Kravitz sentenced Foster under the YRA, issuing a sentence of four years of imprisonment for each charge, to run concurrently, followed by three years supervised release. Foster will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.
Allburn requested Foster stay at the Youth Services Center (YSC) at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) until his 18th birthday, a request that was granted by Judge Kravitz. The judge also granted the recommendations from Allburn that the defendant be put in educational and vocational programs, along with a GED program.
No further hearing dates were set.
