DC Supreme Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a homicide defendant to 26 years of imprisonment in a hearing on Jan. 29.
On Aug. 21, 2025, Walter Jenkins, 37, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old David Williams, on Nov. 14, 2021 in the 2000 block of Bruce Place, SE. Two other individuals sustained injuries, but survived.
In a statement to the court, Williams’ niece said that Jenkins did not have to do this and that, “anybody who thinks this is okay is crazy.” According to the niece, their whole family has been suffering since Williams’ death. Williams’ mother has had a significant health decline since the incident, she stated, adding that every holiday and birthday is a reminder that Williams is not there.
Prosecutors played surveillance footage that depicted the incident to the court including Jenkins walking around the front of the car that Williams occupied. Jenkins briefly conversed with the passengers, before shooting at them and the car behind them. According to the prosecution, around 20 shots were fired.
Given the seriousness of the conduct and the long delayed plea agreement, the prosecution asked Judge Brandt to deliver justice in this case because, “Jenkins is sorry that this happened to him, but does not feel that he is wrong.”
Dominique Winters, Jenkins’ attorney, contended that Jenkins acted out of fear in the moments leading up to the shooting, and has been remorseful since the beginning. According to Winters, Jenkins himself had lost his little brother just months before Williams’ shooting, and he is regretful that he put another mother in that position. Winters argued that he should be held accountable for his actions but also shown mercy for the fact that he has shown remorse and that he wants to do better.
Judge Brandt considered the injuries sustained by the second victim, Williams’ niece’s impact statement, the video evidence of the crime, and a video sent into court by Jenkins’ family that was privately viewed by the judge.
Given the totality of the evidence, Judge Brandt sentenced WaJenkins to 26 years of confinement. She ordered him to register as a gun offender, and undergo mental health counseling.
No further dates were set.
