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By
Becca Parnass
- February 5, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Jan. 31.
Devaughn Branham, 22, was originally charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in two shootings that occurred on Nov. 7, 2024 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, and on the 500 block of Parkland Place, SE.
During the hearing, Madhuri Swarna, Branham’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange of a dismissal of all other charges and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Then she asked that the court consider his release. Swarna attested that Branham would be under 24 hour supervision if released to live with his mother, who is disabled and confined to her home. Before his arrest, Branham was his mother’s primary caregiver.
Judge Di Toro denied the request for release, citing the seriousness of the offense.
Swarna additionally requested that a Youth Act Study be conducted at the DC Jail, as Branham qualifies for The District’s Youth Rehabilitation Act. The Youth Act allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
Sentencing is set for March 13.