Defendant Sentenced to 18 Years in Murder Case

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On Sept. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced David Rhodes to 18 years in prison.

Rhodes, 55, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 47-year-old Georgette Banks on May 9, 2021. The incident, which left her suffering from stab wounds to the neck, chest, and arms, happened on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Banks and Rhodes were in a relationship.

On May 19, Rhodes accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors that lessened the murder charge to a second-degree and dismissed the carrying a dangerous weapon charge.

Several of Banks’ family members delivered impact statements.

Banks’ niece told Judge Epstein that Rhodes “took her away from her loved ones without hesitation,” and insisted that no amount of time imposed during the sentencing would add up to their loss.

Banks’ sister, who told the court about their growing up together, said that “an amazing family member was taken too soon,” and argued that she “needs some closure of [her] own”.

Banks’ daughter, asking Judge Epstein to excuse her language, told Rhodes “I feel like you’re a bitch.” According to her, Banks’ mother unfortunately passed away the same way her daughter did.

“This shit is really ridiculous. No matter how this goes, I’m going to see you again,” she told Rhodes.

Prosecutors argued that this was a horrific murder case, stating that Banks was stabbed and left to die. They insisted that Rhodes has a history of crime, stating that this is his second homicide.

In 2004, Rhodes pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter, for which he served five years incarceration and five years of supervised release.

Because of his history, and the nature and circumstances of this crime, prosecutors requested Judge Epstein sentence Rhodes to the top of the 15-18 year range parties agreed on when he plead guilty.

Dana Page, Rhodes’ defense attorney, told the court that “[He] takes this all very seriously, and is taking responsibility for what he did”. She stated that he is completely remorseful for his actions, and argued that Rhodes has had many traumatic experiences in his life that have caused him to have mental health and substance abuse issues.

“People that suffer traumas like Rhodes has suffered, often turn to substances,” Page argued.

“My hope is that the court can understand how seriously he takes this. He cared about the decedent,” she insisted.

Page requested Judge Epstein sentence Rhodes to the lower number in the sentencing guideline.

Rhodes addressed the court, stating that he didn’t have much to say. “My condolences to the family, I wasn’t raised to take life from others,” he stated.

“I’m not asking for forgiveness, because I can’t forgive myself,” he uttered. “I hope they can find some closure”.

Judge Epstein argued that this case wasn’t a simple stabbing, stating that the savagery of the murder gave him reason to impose a higher sentence. He mentioned that his prior conviction for manslaughter stemmed from jealousy, and cost the life of another woman.

Judge Epstein noted that even though Rhodes is extremely remorseful and took responsibility for his actions, he needed to impose a “fair and just” sentence.

Judge Epstein credited time served to the 18 years of incarceration, and is recommending the Bureau of Prisons (BoP) place Rhodes in a facility that has access to full mental and substance abuse resources.

Rhodes is expected to serve five years of supervised release and continue being assessed and receiving treatment for his mental health and substance abuse.

“I hope you can get some help and get on the track you want to be on,” said Judge Epstein.

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