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By
Christopher Sivak [former]
- April 10, 2023
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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During a sentencing hearing on April 7, the prosecutor described the defendant as a “wonderful person” when giving her sentencing recommendations.
Samuel Davis, 64, was convicted of second-degree murder in 2019 for his involvement in the killing of Mawuli Kocuvie, 53, on Oct. 28, 2017, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
The prosecutor read two statements given by the family of the victim, asking for a harsh penalty against Davis. However, she said she got to know Davis over the course of the case and said he was a wonderful person.
The prosecutor asked for a lighter sentence of nine years including time served because Davis showed remorse and helped throughout the course of the case.
Defense attorney Roderick Thompson continued the sentiments, saying Davis was remorseful and a good person at heart who made a mistake. Thompson reiterated the sentence proposed by the prosecutor.
According to court documents, Kocuvie had been subletting from Davis before he failed to pay his rent. Davis asked Kocuvie to move out, and a witness stated that he planned to.
On the day of the murder, the witness left the apartment and called 911 sometime later reporting possible suspicious acts inside the apartment.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found Kocuvie unconscious with a bungee cord wrapped around his neck.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun said he would depart from the guidelines and give Davis a lighter sentence.
Judge Okun sentenced Davis to seven years in prison, but he will get credit for the 66 months he has served.