Homicide Defendant Sentenced After Accepting Plea Deal

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On Nov. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Demetrius Void to six years incarceration for a homicide.

Void, 36, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and armed carjacking, for his involvement in fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anthony Lawson, on Sept. 25, 2018, on the 6200 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Lawson and Void were allegedly having a dispute over a vehicle that belonged to Void’s mother.

On Aug. 24, Void accepted an agreement extended by prosecutors to plead guilty to one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for dismissal of all other charges.

Prosecutors requested Judge O’Keefe follow the six-to -eight year sentencing guideline that parties had agreed on when Void pleaded guilty. Prosecutors mentioned Void’s lack of remorse stating, “Not once did I hear him express regret… he did not think it’s a big deal”.

Void’s defense attorneys, William Alley and Madalyn Harvey, requested Judge O’Keefe impose a six year sentence, emphasizing it is a “significant amount of time”. Void’s attorneys noted “being in prison is not going to do any good”.

Although the first-degree murder charge was dismissed, Judge O’Keefe allowed Lawson’s family members to give an impact statement. Lawson’s mother stated, “From the sounds of it, it sounds like you’re going to be blessed, do what you have to do for your kids and your family”.

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Void to 72 months in prison followed by a three year supervised release. The judge expressed his concern, saying “You are not only hurting yourself, you’re also hurting your family”.

“I apologize to my family,” said Void.
He is also required to register as a gun offender and pay a fine of 100 dollars to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.

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