Homicide Defendant Sentenced After Plea Deal at Emotional Hearing

By Hunter Krienke [former] - July 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 18, family members of a homicide victim gave emotional impact statements following the defendant’s acceptance of a plea agreement.  

Jean Paul Kearney, 36, was sentenced to 20-years for his involvement in the shooting death of 33-year-old Dontra Harris. Harris, who was a lifelong friend of Kearney, was fatally shot near the 1800 block of 24th Street, NE on April 4, 2021.

Kearney was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and obstruction of justice, for his involvement in the April 2021 homicide, and the shooting that occurred outside his residence on May 13, 2021 when officers were serving a search warrant. 

On April 27, Kearney pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, following a mistrial that found him guilty of all counts except first-degree murder, as the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision. All sentences will run concurrently. 

During sentencing, Harris’ family members gave victim impact statements targeting Kearney, claiming that his actions were cowardly.

“A mother should not bury her children, it should be the other way around,” Harris’ mother tearfully stated.

Harris’ father angrily stared at the defendant stating “I feel like coming across the table.”

After victim impact statements, the prosecutor discussed how the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) had to implement new tactics for executing search warrants as a result of this case. When officers attempted to enter Kearney’s home, he opened fire striking a brick wall next to officers at the front door.

Defense attorney Michael Madden requested that Kearney be placed in a facility that will care for his mental health needs. Madden referred to Kearney’s actions as having a “nonsensical motive,” as he only had two prior convictions for drugs and that this crime was a result of poor mental health.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan considered a recommendation to have Kearney placed in a mental health treatment facility during his incarceration to help with anxiety and depression.

Then Judge Raffinan sentenced Kearney to 20-years for second-degree murder with all other counts running concurrently.

In an interview with D.C. Witness Harris’ mother stated there should be “a life for a life,” unsatisfied with the 20-year sentence imposed on Kearney. 

When asking the father about the sentence he stated, “He didn’t get the time that he needed.”