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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- July 16, 2018
Court
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Homicides
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Suspects
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On July 13, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a man convicted of killing a teenager to 12 years in prison.
Rocquel Bradley pled guilty May 2, 2018, to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting Marquette Hooks on the 1300 block of Alabama Avenue in 2015. According to court documents, on Feb. 24, 2014, Hooks, 18, robbed Bradley, 24, and in retaliation, Bradley shot Hooks and one other surviving victim on the same day.
Judge Danya Dayson said she recognized the seriousness of the offense, and didn’t think a minimum sentence was appropriate.
“You destroyed my family’s life,” Hooks’ mother told Bradley during the sentencing.
Other members of Hooks’ family also addressed the defendant in open court.
“At no point was this young man to play judge, jury and executioner,” Hooks’ sister said. “I’m praying my family can forgive you.”
In a statement to the judge, Bradley apologized to Hooks’ family and said his decision affected his own future as well. Bradley told Judge Dayson that he wants to reform himself and work with kids as a mentor when he is released.
Bradley will also serve five years on probation after his release.