DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Bryant sentenced a defendant in a homicide case to 27 years in prison on Nov. 7 after a jury found him guilty in 2024.
Ky’Lee Palmer, 26, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that killed Barron Goodwin, 60, on the 800 block of 51st Street SE, on Feb. 12, 2020.
Each charge has been enhanced because the offense was committed on pre-trial release for another crime, meaning that additional incarceration could be added to the sentence.
According to the prosecution, Goodwin was shot in the back of the head while sleeping on his couch after Palmer directed a “hand selected” shooter to aim at his house. Seven to nine bullets struck Goodwin’s residence in a day-time driveby.
Goodwin’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law delivered a joint victim impact statement for the court. They shared that Goodwin was an older brother figure that was a source of love and wisdom.
Goodwin’s sister-in-law explained that the family was forced to move out of the house because of the immense effect his death has had on them.
“He was killed in a place that was supposed to be safe, that was a place of family gathering,” Goodwin’s sister-in-law said. “We live in fear. We were robbed of peace.”
The prosecution advocated for 28 years and eight months, with 25 of those years being for the homicide charge and accompanying possession charge.
The prosecution argued the motivation for the homicide was a fight at a restaurant between Goodwin’s niece, who was romantically involved with Palmer. An hour before the shooting, Palmer took the niece’s phone and stranded her at the restaurant, according to the prosecution.
The prosecution explained that domestic violence was a patterned behavior of the defendant. According to the prosecution, Palmer gave Goodwin’s niece a black eye and shoved her over a railing before spraying her with mace.
The prosecution also alleged that Palmer was romantically involved with another victim of domestic abuse at the same time. As a result, the victim tried to committ suicide by jumping out of an eight story building. She survived the suicide attempt and testified against Palmer during the trial.
The prosecution highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime, explaining that Palmer had one hour after the fight to plan the shooting. He “scoped out his house,” “circled the block,” and came back to the area of Goodwin’s house to light the stolen vehicle involved on fire, endangering those in nearby buildings.
The prosecution argued that the sentencing for the homicide, destruction of property, and pre-trial enhancements should run consecutively to account for the reckless and dangerous behavior that put multiple lives in danger.
Defense attorney David Akulian argued that Palmer should be sentenced to 16 years of incarceration, with 14 of those being for the homicide charges. Akulian explained that Palmer never used a firearm himself, emphasizing that he was found guilty for a crime similar to aiding and abetting.
Akulian also explained to the court that, while the crime was committed during pre-trial release of a domestic violence incident, that case was ultimately dismissed.
Akulian mainly focused on the immense character change he has witnessed in Palmer. Palmer has completed more than 50 courses in the DC Jail and is incredibly remorseful for the loss that the Goodwin family has experienced, according to Akulian.
Palmer delivered a heartfelt statement before the court while also maintaining his innocence. He explained that he comes from a background filled with violence and difficult circumstances.
“There was a lot of domestic violence in my life and it rubbed off on me,” Palmer said.
Palmer apologized for the heartache the incident has caused and shared his empathy, having lost two of his brothers to senseless violence.
“I know that kind of pain. It is not something that I want to cause.”
Palmer argued that the incident did not come from a place of anger or revenge. He articulated his love and appreciation for Goodwin’s niece, sharing that she was someone who came to him during a difficult time in his life.
Palmer worked six-to-seven days a week to provide for his son. He has a strong community of family that has supported him throughout his trial. He shared that he did not invite his family to his sentencing.
“I don’t want to see my mom lose a third son. It’s not something I want her to witness,” Palmer said.
Judge Brandt sentenced Palmer to 27 years in prison, recognizing the seriousness of the charges Palmer was convicted of. She confirmed that Palmer received additional sentencing because the crime was committed while Palmer was on release for another crime. She also cited his 1.5 criminal score that placed him at the top of sentencing guidelines.
“What led up to this event and after was calculated. There is no other adjective that does this justice,” Brandt said.
Judge Brandt shared her gratitude for Goodwin’s family sharing their love for Goodwin.
“I appreciate you coming here. It’s a brave thing to do,” Brandt said. “I have memories of seeing the pictures of him from trial. It’s a shame you had to share him with me in that way.”
Judge Brandt also recognized Akulian for the 112 page sentencing memorandum he compiled that shared letters from Palmer and his family.
“I am going to accept your apology on behalf of the people of DC,” Brandt said.
Judge Brandt explained that she factored in Palmer’s dedication to rehabilitation in her sentencing. She commemorated the strong grades that Palmer received, demonstrating strong retention of the information.
“You are the first person in a long time to do more than just sit in the DC Jail. You turned a dreary situation into a positive one,” Brandt said. “I was struck and impressed that you have been taking anger management classes, contentious relationships classes, and domestic abuse classes.”
Judge Brandt recommended that Palmer be placed in a prison that supported his culinary interests developed in the DC Jail. She hoped that Palmer would consider a career in the culinary arts after serving his sentence.
“You should get credit for the transformation you’ve been on,” Brandt said. “I see a future for you. Don’t let that time drag you down.”
Judge Brandt left Palmer with a final message, sharing that she was moved by the statement he delivered to the court, particularly when he said, “I am no monster, no killer.”
“I heard what you said today about you not being a monster,” Brandt said. “Even though I gave you a long sentence, I don’t see that when I look at you. I see a young man who has been locked up for a while. I see a young man who probably regrets what happened.”
Judge Brandt urged Palmer to stay in contact with his family while he serves his sentence.
“Don’t block your family out of your life, you need your family, everyone needs their family,” Brandt said. “Do good things in the memory of Mr. Goodwin. He would probably tell you the same things I am telling you because that’s the kind of gentle, caring soul he was.”
No further dates were set.
