Homicide Victim’s Relative Asks ‘Why?’ During Sentencing

By Hunter Odom [former] - July 17, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

In a July 14 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a homicide defendant to 10- years for one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed. 

Donjae Parker, 17, was convicted for the fatal shooting that killed 15-year-old Malachi Jackson on April 11, 2022 at the 3000 block of 13th Street, NW. According to court documents, the night of the homicide, Parker was caught on surveillance footage prior, during, and after the crime. 

In April, Parker pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed, instead of the initial first-degree murder charge

Every seat in the courtroom was occupied, both by Jackson’s and Parker’s families during the proceedings. The Jackson family wore shirts in honor of their loved one. 

Addressing the court during her impact statement, a Jackson family relative said, “What I want to know more than anything is why the defendant killed [the victim].” 

“The process of this tragedy is beyond words… He took away sanity,” she argued.

Defense Attorney Prescott Loveland a video of apologies from the defendant’s family. 

“I can’t apologize for Donjae per se, but from my heart, I’m sorry,” said one relative.

“You lost your son and there’s nothing I can do,” said another.

And finally from another concerned relative from the defendant’s family, “My heart bleeds for you.” 

The defense counsel requested the sentencing occur after Parker graduates from high school in the spring of 2024. 

Parker then addressed the court himself and said, “I would like to send my apologies to the family of Malachi Jackson… if I could, I would trade places.” 

Judge O’Keefe then addressed the parties, including the defendant saying, “Ms. Jackson asked one question, which was ‘Why?’ Does anyone have an answer for her?” 

Loveland admitted that he was hesitant to answer. 

Judge O’Keefe then imposed the 10-year sentence agreed in Parker’s plea and five years supervised probation.  

Then this final comment from a victim’s relative:

“The crime wave is never gonna end. Parents are hurting, taunted, and targeted by other families like we were. How could you get mad with the family that wants justice?” 

She stated that Parker received a “slap on the wrist” with his sentencing. 

“We want to grieve, this is our healing process. What we have is love in our hearts,” she stated.