‘How Can Someone Walk up to Somebody, and Shoot Them Over a Cigarette?’ Says Judge During Sentencing

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On Feb. 16, DC Superior Courthouse Judge Erik Christian sentenced a defendant to twelve years imprisonment for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting stemming from a petty dispute over a cigarette.

Ryan Parker , 24, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his involvement in a shooting on March 6, 2023, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, that left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

On Aug. 8, 2023, the defendant accepted a global agreement extended by prosecutors, which required he plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, in exchange for a dismissal of a domestic violence and misdemeanor case, as well as the prosecution not seeking charges in connection to an armed carjacking.

Parker’s defense counsel, John Machado, stated multiple times that his client was experiencing mental and substance abuse issues at the time of the crime, and that he does not have a “score” for criminal history.

He spoke of his client’s time spent in St. Elizabeths Hospital, getting the mental health treatment he needs to ensure his life can proceed normally upon completion of his sentence. Machado also requested that Parker be charged under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows for youth offenders’ convictions to be virtually sealed after successfully completing their sentencing requirements.

Machado requested Parker be sentenced to five years of incarceration.

Prior to his guilty plea, Parker was charged or being investigated in connection to six other crimes.

According to the prosecutor, Parker has “disturbing warrants” in the state of Maryland, without further elaboration, and proceeded to show multiple security camera angles of the shooting.

Parker himself apologized to the victim, stating that he was not in his right mind at the time, and reminded Judge Christian that he did not actually harm anybody, but simply “shot in the general direction” of the victim.

After hearing both parties, Judge Christian described the defendant’s actions as unfathomable, specifying “How can someone walk up to somebody, and shoot them over a cigarette?”.

Judge Christian sentenced Parker to 10 years for the aggravated assault while armed charge, and 24 months for the carrying charge.

Parker’s sentencing will run consecutively, after which he will serve five years of supervised release.

No future hearing dates are scheduled at this time.