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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- March 25, 2019
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a convicted murderer March 22 to 40.5 years in prison for his role in a murder he still claims was done out of self-defense.
In October of 2018, a jury found Babajide Pittman guilty of first-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault, assault with the intent to kill and four gun-related offenses for his role in the death of 27-year-old Anthony Young on the 600 block of L Street, SE in 2016. According to the prosecution, Young’s girlfriend was also shot and sustained permanent nerve damage in her foot.
“It’s a shame that in the preservation of life, a life was lost,” Pittman, 33, said prior to his sentencing. Pittman also said that he stands by what he said in trial. D.C. Witness previously reported that Pittman testified that he kept shooting the victim until he stopped moving.
“Never in a million years, did I think my son would die before me,” Young’s mother said. “That I would endure this pain.”
Amid tears, the mother told the judge about how her life has changed in the wake of her son’s death. “My life is consumed by stress and depression,” she said.
The mother also said Pittman “never showed an ounce of remorse” and told the judge that she wonders if he’ll do it again. Pittman’s aunt spoke of the victim’s daughter and how she carries his clothes just to feel close to him.
During the week and a half long trial, the defense sought to prove Pittman acted in self-defense and that the situation was “kill or be killed.”
According to the defendant, the confrontation between the men began when Pittman’s ex-wife accused him of statements he allegedly told a doctor regarding a medical procedure. Young apparently overheard Pittman’s conversation with the doctor and told the ex-wife.
Surveillance footage captured Pittman pacing and allegedly waiting for Young minutes before the homicide. Footage also captured Pittman shooting at Young eight times, pausing briefly, and then shooting at him four more times.
Pittman said when Young opened the passenger door of the vehicle, he thought Young was reaching for a gun.
Pittman is expected to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence.