At Sentencing, Homicide Defendant Can’t Explain his crime

By Namita Nair - June 14, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 30 years in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, on June 14.  It was an emotional proceeding as the victim’s brother cried out for justice.

Joseph Melton, 54, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain. The incident occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW, and left another individual suffering from injuries.  

On March 25, Melton accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors provided a recap of events, saying the defendant’s veneer of rationality belied the “horrific violence” he wreaked on his victims. Prosecutors urged for sentencing to be in the upper range for both of Melton’s charges. 

Chamberlain’s brother provided a victim impact statement, in which he  described Chamberlain as being a generous and loving father, and a teacher to his community. 

The brother repeatedly stated the utter terror of an innocent man’s getting viciously stabbed multiple times, along with Melton’s lack of remorse.

”Never let this man [Melton] see the light of day,” demanded Chamberlain’s brother. . 

Melton’s attorney, Thomas Healy, asserted that Melton was indeed very remorseful for what occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, and the cost of his actions would stay with him for a very long time. Healy argued that some leniency should be applied as Melton is already in his 50s, and at the time of potential release he would be in his 70s. 

Healy asked the court to “give him credit for accepting responsibility for what he did” to Chamberlain and the other victim. 

Healy advocated for 15 years in prison with supervised probation upon release, asserting that there are many mental health providers Melton could work with after release to ensure what happened to Chamberlain does not happen again. 

When asked by Judge O’Keefe if he had anything to say Melton quietly responded that he “didn’t know what came over [him] that day.” 

Judge O’Keefe found no comfort in the notion that Melton would not repeat his actions given the level of viciousness in this case and his prior criminal history. 

The judge agreed with the prosecution and sentenced Melton to 66 months with three years supervised probation for assault with a dangerous weapon and 300 months with five years supervised probation for second-degree murder. 

Melton’s sentence is to be served consecutively resulting in 30-and-a-half years in prison.