DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a fatal stabbing defendant to 18 years in prison on July 31.
Kevin Johnson, 40, pleaded guilty on Feb. 24 to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 44-year-old Antonio Woody on Oct. 6, 2024, on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE. Woody sustained five stab wounds.
The plea agreement included a sentencing range of 18-to-23 years in prison, subject to Judge Brandt’s approval.
In their sentencing request, prosecutors clarified that Johnson, Woody, and bystanders were all living in a homeless shelter at the time. The prosecutors noted that, according to a witness, Johnson reportedly said, “Someone’s not going to go back in tonight,” before the incident occurred.
Prosecutors argued that Johnson had been “bullying” Woody. They asserted that, because Woody was wheelchair bound, Johnson “preyed upon” a vulnerable victim.
In surveillance footage from the incident, prosecutors pointed out that Johnson approached Woody and stabbed him five times as he fell from his wheelchair in an attempt to escape. They also highlighted the “callous way” that Johnson left the scene, throwing Woody’s phone away in the sewer.
Prosecutors requested 23 years of imprisonment, arguing that a “rough childhood” and any mental health conditions do “not mitigate this conduct.”
Johnson’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, argued that it was “just not accurate” to describe Johnson as a bully, claiming that other witnesses did not agree.
Weller highlighted that Johnson was “brutally beaten” in a fight that occurred earlier that day, and he was “not in his right mind” at the time of the incident. She claimed that this incident is not “who he has shown himself to be.”
She clarified that Johnson is not receiving “a great benefit” through his plea agreement, as the original guidelines for the charge are 14-to-26 years.
Weller characterized Johnson as “someone who has had a really difficult life,” and pointed out that he was originally “hopeful” when he arrived at the shelter that he would have resources he needed, but ended up being wrongly treated for a mental illness.
Weller requested 18 years of imprisonment, as well as drug and mental health treatment, anger management, and vocational training while Johnson is serving his sentence.
“I hope I get the help I really need,” Johnson said.
Judge Brandt classified this case as stemming from Johnson’s “anger” getting “the better of him.” She indicated that the offense seemed to be a “one off” as opposed to who he actually is as a person.
She sentenced Johnson to 18 years, with five years of supervised release. While serving his sentence, he will be required to complete drug and mental health treatment, anger management, and vocational training.
“Do good things in the name of Mr. Woody,” Judge Brandt said.
No further dates were set.
