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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- October 20, 2017
Homicides
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Suspects
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The family and friends of 39-year-old Darryn Conte sat in court on Friday, as Mark Beasley was sentenced to 40 years for murdering Conte after an argument at a nightclub.
On April 26, 2015, police responded to reports of gunshots when they found Darryn Conte and his brother, Dennis Conte, with apparent bullet wounds. Though his brother was transported and treated for his wounds, Darryn Conte had died by the time the police arrived.
In July of this year, Mark Beasley was found guilty at his trial for shooting Conte after they got into an argument at Takoma Station Club. According to the prosecutor’s narrative, Beasley argued with Conte at the nightclub after Conte almost hit Beasley’s friend with his elbow while doing a dance. When Conte had left the club and was waiting with his brother in the car, Beasley approached from the passenger side and shot Conte nine times and his brother one time. Several witnesses heard the gunshots, and when one of Beasley’s friends asked him why he had a gun, he responded with “this is what I do.”
After having the court listen to the statements of the victim’s family, the prosecutor asked for “no leniency” in Judge Jose Lopez’s sentencing decision. Beasley already had an extensive criminal history before this case, including two armed-robbery charges and a rape charge. Because of this, the prosecutor asked for at least 30 years in order to have consolidation for his crimes and in order for him to take responsibility for his actions.
The defense attorney asked that Beasley be sentenced a maximum of 30 years, due to his age. Beasley’s attorney also mentioned that though Beasley did not directly say it to anyone involved, he “sends his condolences.”
After a brief recess, Judge Lopez agreed that Beasley’s age would be taken into consideration. However, Judge Lopez deemed Beasley as a “dangerous person” due to his criminal history. Since Beasley continued to conduct criminal behavior after his other charges, Judge Lopez said that his penalty should present “a measure of justice.”
Beasley was sentenced to 40 years with 5 years of probation.