DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced a homicide defendant to 11 years of imprisonment under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on June 24.
Judge Kravitz sentenced Caleb Padilla, 20, to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Damion Hill on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE, on Dec. 30, 2024. Hill was shot in the head and neck.
Padilla pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed on April 24, 2025. As part of the plea agreement, parties established that the sentence would be between 10-to-12 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing.
At the sentencing, the prosecution argued for a 12-year sentence with no YRA, while Padilla’s attorney, Christen Romero Philips, requested a ten-year sentence and the YRA.
The YRA allows defendants who commit an offense under the age of 25 to have their conviction sealed upon successful completion of requirements. In addition, the judge can sentence defendants below the mandatory minimum guidelines.
Padilla’s sentencing was initially delayed in November 2025 so he could complete high school at the DC Jail.
Philips, Padilla’s social worker, and his education aide attested to Padilla’s success at the DC Jail and his commitment to rehabilitation.
The defense explained that Padilla graduated on July 22, but that was not the only milestone of the day. Padilla was also able to hold his one-year-old daughter for the first time at the ceremony.
The defense also detailed Padilla’s commitment to his classwork. They said he graduated with honors, despite the lack of intervention and services he received as a child growing up in foster care.
Padilla’s social worker chronicled Padilla’s commitment to finding solutions to his mental health struggles, and his expressions of remorse.
Philips emphasized the social worker’s points. “In my time, that is incredibly unique,” she said, “that desire to take accountability.”
“He will live with those consequences, no matter what sentence the court imposes today,” Philips added.
Five members of Hill’s family provided impact statements at the sentencing.
Hill’s mother spoke to Padilla, saying that he’ll eventually be released, but “[her] sentence is lifelong.” In addition, Hill’s mother detailed her mental health challenges since her son’s death.
Hill’s mother described him as a deeply caring family member and said “He didn’t just honor the people in front of him, he inspired them to love.”
Hill was a father of five. Two of his children, a young twin boy and girl, provided statements for the prosecution to read.
“I miss my daddy,” the son’s statement said. “My family doesn’t feel right after he died.”
The prosecution argued that their proposed sentence was appropriate to reflect “the value of Damion’s life” and to protect the community.
“Our community, that’s already plagued by gun violence, deserves better,” the prosecution said.
The prosecution also pointed out Padilla’s juvenile record and expressed concern for recidivism.
Judge Kravitz said he issued a sentence between the parties’ recommendations because he didn’t believe he was in a better position to determine the appropriate time.
“Mr. Padilla has overcome a lot,” Judge Kravitz added. “That is something that he should be proud of.”
Padilla thanked Judge Kravitz for allowing him to finish his education. He also apologized to each member of Hill’s family present in the courtroom.
Addressing the twins, “I know what it’s like to not have a father,” Padilla said. “I know what it’s like to lose somebody.”
“If I could take it back, I would,” Padilla added.
There are no further hearings scheduled in this case.
