The prosecution and defense both agreed that a shooting was out of character for the defendant at a sentencing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 10.
D’Andrea Grayton, 52, pleaded guilty on June 2 to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his involvement in a shooting on Sept. 14, 2025 at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh.
Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Grayton to 18 months in prison for the assault charge and 12 months and one day for the possession charge. The charges will run concurrently with all but 12 months and one day suspended. Following his imprisonment, Grayton must serve one year of probation, register as a gun offender in DC, and stay away from the victim.
Under the First Step Act (FSA) of 2018, federal inmates can earn time credit towards their sentence for good behavior, program participation, and educational achievements. However, the FSA earned time credits only apply to sentences more than one year.
The prosecutor said the offense was “surprising conduct and unexpected conduct” from Grayton, an older man with work history and family support. Following an argument at a bus stop, Grayton retrieved his gun, returned, and shot the victim in the leg.
“In a civilized society, that’s just not a way to solve your problems,” emphasized the prosecutor.
The prosecution requested Grayton serve 18 months in prison for assault and 12 months for possession, to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release.
“Yes it was an overreaction, but he was threatened with a gun first,” claimed Grayton’s attorney, Matthew Rist. According to Rist, the victim put his hand inside his backpack as if he had a gun and gestured it towards Grayton. Regardless, Rist acknowledged that his client’s actions were not justified.
Rist also noted that Grayton’s last conviction was 19 years ago, a 2007 misdemeanor. Before that, Grayton committed a 1992 possession of a firearm during a crime of violence offense. Rist highlighted that Grayton completed his last probation successfully.
Rist described Grayton as a “model inmate” at the DC Jail and emphasized his work detail assignment. When Grayton returns to the community, Rist said his former employer of 10 years will welcome him back.
Rist asked the judge to sentence Grayton to 18 months for assault, all but 180 days suspended, to run concurrently with 12 months and one day for possession.
After Judge Hertzfeld imposed her sentence she said “Good luck to you Mr. Grayton.”
No further dates were set.
