Defendant Sentenced to 7 Years for Assault and Gun Charges

By Tory Lysik [former] - July 19, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge gave a domestic violence defendant the maximum sentence for shooting at his victim’s car seven times as she drove away from him. 

Derrick Johnson was initially charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon and destruction of property, but pleaded down to aggravated assault knowingly in May. 

The victim’s sister and six-month-old daughter were in the car at the time of the shooting. Six of the shots hit the driver’s seat door, and three struck the victim. She sustained life-threatening injuries.

“Without the heroic efforts of the EMS, she would not be here today,” Judge James Crowell said.

Judge Crowell sentenced the 22-year-old defendant to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He must also pay $16,028 in restitution to the victim.

“The court is deeply troubled by the defendant’s choices,” Judge Crowell said. 

Johnson was also sentenced to two years in prison for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. At the time of the shooting, Johnson was on pretrial release in this case. 

The two sentences will run consecutively.

Defense attorney Anthony Viviani asked the judge to allow Johnson to benefit from the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which effectively seals young defendants’ cases once they complete the requirements imposed on them. He said the court has an opportunity to help his client choose the right path in life and argued that Johnson’s actions were impulsive and reflective of his youth. Judge Crowell denied the request.

The victim was the first to give an impact statement during the July 16 hearing. She spoke directly to Johnson. 

“Do you know what it feels like to not be able to go home to your child because you have to recover in the hospital,” she asked him. 

The victim’s mother said the day of the shooting is one that she will never forget.  The victim’s father also spoke, saying he is thankful his daughter is alive today. 

Johnson spoke last, apologizing to the victim and her family.

“We’re all human and we all make mistakes,”  he said. 

Johnson must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violence Crime compensation fund for each of his cases.