‘He Killed My Son. He Killed Me,’ Says Victim’s Mother at Sentencing

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Shannon Updike on April 4 to 15 years in prison for his involvement in a murder, despite the victim’s family urging Judge Okun to impose a harsher sentence.

On Dec. 19, 2024, Updike, 21, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Chidozie Njoku, 23, on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on May 27, 2024.

The prosecution stated that Updike made a decision that wasn’t his to make in that, “he took the law into his own hands that day… he acted in vigilante justice.” Additionally, the prosecution read a victim impact statement which stated that all they ask is for Judge Okun to deliver justice swiftly and fairly.

e Updike reportedly told a MPD detective that there was an altercation between Njoku and his girlfriend. Updike stated he only met Njoku once, but believed was abusive toward his girlfriend.

Njoku’s uncle, who attended the hearing remotely, asked for anonymity fearing retaliation. “We do not know what else this criminal has planned next,” the uncle stated. He echoed the family’s call for a longer sentence, asking the judge to impose 23 years to match the age Chidozie would have been.

“He killed me. He killed my son, he killed me,” Njoku’s mother cried, before breaking out into tears.

Updike’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, made it clear that this was a very unusual case, that Updike is a very calm and intelligent person and that he takes full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Okun gave his condolences to the Njoku family stating, “Nothing I do will bring Chido back.”

Judge Okun accepted Updike’s plea, and sentenced him to 15 years of imprisonment with five years of supervised release, stating he hopes Updike can become a productive member of the community after his sentence.

No further dates were set.