Homicide Defendant Re-Sentenced to 12 Years Following Appeal

By Sadie Herman [former] - December 20, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During a Dec. 18 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a first-degree murder defendant to 12 years in prison.

Stanley Moghalu, 36, was charged with 9 counts, including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Ronald Smith. The incident occured on Nov. 14, 2011, on the 1000 Block of 21st Street, NE. 

Moghalu was originally sentenced to 75 years for his crimes, but the conviction was sent to the Court of Appeals for review. The appellate court concluded that if the defense had an opportunity to be more aggressive during their cross-examination, the jury likely would have reached a different conclusion.

As a result of the finding, an offer was extended by the prosecution for Moghalu to plead guilty to second-degree murder, in exchange for his sentence being reduced to 12 years.

The prosecution emphasized the Court of Appeals’ decision is the reason for offering the deal, and that they strongly oppose the ruling. They say the original sentence of 75 years was appropriate for the horrific nature of the crime, and that 12 years is especially inappropriate. The prosecution further explained that the family of the decedent has paid a “high price in terms of loss”. 

Lastly, the prosecution said Moghalu was “receiving a lucky break”. 

Moghalu’s attorney, Jonathan Zucker, encouraged the court to accept this plea, explaining that the principal shooter in this crime was not Moghalu, and that individual received an even lighter sentence than 12 years. He added that 12 years should be sufficient noting Moghalu has been incarcerated for the crime since 2015, and that this should count towards his sentence. 

Then, Moghalu said he would like to get a second chance at life. Specifically saying, “I had a lot of time to reflect” and “I wanna do my part to be positive in the community”. 

Judge Okun informed the court that he was accepting the plea to sentence Moghalu to 12 years, with five years of supervised release. The judge stated that he doesn’t want the plea to minimize what occurred, and that “what happened was pretty awful”. 

Moghalu is also required to register as a gun offender upon release.

Judge Okun further told Moghalu, “You’re getting an opportunity” and “for your sake, for your family’s sake, and the community’s sake, I hope you make the most of this opportunity”.

No further dates are set in this case.