Defendant’s Sentencing Rescheduled Due to Medical Issues

By Isabella Graf , Sam Chodorow - February 3, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting |

In a Feb. 2 sentencing hearing, a defendant convicted for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting case failed to appear before the court in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom.

Kenneth Gray, 24, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 27, 2019 at the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE. 

On Nov. 30, 2022, Gray accepted a deal extended by prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of simple assault, and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

Gray did not show up to court for his sentencing hearing on Feb. 2. His attorney, Michael Madden, claimed his client was suffering from medical issues, and was taken to the detention center infirmary for examination. 

The prosecution believes the “no shows” are to avoid hearings in-person. The prosecution cited the defendant’s history of finding excuses to not show up to court, usually in the form of alleging an illness. 

Defense requested to postpone sentencing for one week. The prosecution agreed to these terms and Judge Okun set the new sentencing date for Feb. 9.

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 9.