Angry Outburst Leads to Postponed Sentencing in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

By Sadie Herman [former] - January 4, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Jan. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued a sentencing hearing in a non-fatal shooting case due to a defendant’s outburst. 

Dominic Copeland, 33, was convicted of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left one individual injured on the unit block of N Street, NW, on April 26, 2019. He was acquitted of robbery while armed and one count of possession of a firearm.

His co-defendant, 31-year-old Artie Byrd, was acquitted of accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Copeland flee the scene in a white Toyota Camry soon after the shooting.

Before the sentencing, Copeland in an angry outburst said, “This case wasn’t even triable.”

‘You are insulting my intelligence by saying that was an honest guilty verdict”, and then shouted  “b**ch” at Judge Raffinan. 

As a result, Copeland was taken out of the courtroom, and the sentencing was postponed briefly.

Copeland’s appearance was waived for the duration of the proceeding. His defense attorney, Michael Madden, explained to the court that Copeland’s family feels he would be in a much better position if there was a more recent mental health diagnosis and evaluation done on him. 

However, Madden explained that Copeland hasn’t agreed to an interview with a psychologist. Madden further stated that the only person that Copeland will listen to is his father, and that he needed time for Copeland to speak with him.

Madden explained that Copeland’s father has agreed to meet with him at the DC jail to convince him to get an updated diagnosis. So, Madden requested a continuance for the sentencing.

The prosecution informed the court that they did not object.

Judge Raffinan granted the request.

Parties are expected to reconvene on March 22.