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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- October 15, 2017
Homicides
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Suspects
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Seth Sinquan Holmes was sentenced to 13 years for the murder of Damonta Thompson in May of 2017.
When asked to give a statement at his sentencing, Holmes addressed Thompson’s family by asking for their forgiveness and saying that he hoped his punishment would help the family “find some relief.”
Damonta Thompson was found dead in early May. According to the prosecutor’s narrative, Thompson had gotten into a fight with Holmes while he was at the grocery store. After the fight was over the two returned to their cars where Holmes shot at Thompson four times.Thompson was found conscious, but died shortly after he was found. There were two others in Thompson’s car at the time. After shooting, Holmes fled to Florida. He was extradited in June.
During the sentencing, a statement from one of Thompson’s family members revealed that Holmes and Thompson were actually friends before the incident.
Holmes pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in August and was expecting a sentence between 10-14 years. His defense argued for him to be given the lowest sentence possible because he took responsibility for his actions by accepting the plea deal. Holmes’ attorney said he will use the time to “improve himself.”
After hearing from both sides, Judge Leibovitz emphasized the fact that Holmes had a “high” criminal history score before the incident occurred. She also stated that she found the case to be a “senseless, horrible crime.”
Holmes was sentenced Friday to 13 years, with five years of supervision.