Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.
By
Jenna Ferrick [former]
- February 10, 2023
Court
|
Homicides
|
Shooting
|
Suspects
|
Victims
|
In the sentencing of convicted triple homicide defendant Rakeem Willis, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced him to 125 years in prison.
Willis, 38, was convicted of killing 26-year-old Javon Abney, 26-year-old Sean Shuler, and 24-year-old Tyrik Hagood on Jan. 26, 2020, on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE. Each count of first-degree murder while armed carried a 40-year sentence, totaling 120 consecutive years incarcerated. An additional 5 years were added for the guilty charge of fleeing a law enforcement officer.
During the Feb. 10 hearing, Judge Ryan explained that Willis “ambushed and murdered three young men” with no motive or explanation for the killings ever found.
Multiple victim impact statements were read by relatives of the victims. The prosecutor also read statements on behalf of those who were not in the courtroom. Multiple statements pleaded with the judge to sentence Willis to the maximum possible sentence.
After the victim impact statements, Willis’ defense attorney Howard McEachern recommended that the court consider the sentencing on the not-guilty charges established in the verdict as well. Additionally, McEachern explained the importance of rehabilitation in guiding the sentencing.
Willis was given a chance to speak regarding his sentencing, but he declined.
Prior to reading out the sentence, Judge Ryan spoke about the defendant’s upbringing and criminal history, stating that the defendant had previous crimes of violence, such as assault with intent to kill in 2014.
In addition to the 125-year sentence, Willis also has to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the victims of violent crimes fund per each guilty charge, totaling $400.