‘I Deserve This Time,’ Says Homicide Defendant at Sentencing

By Varshana Ramnarine - September 9, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

“I deserve this time,” a homicide defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe during his sentencing on Sept. 6. 

Aaron Jackson, 30, was convicted with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and a felony of carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of Damohn Gill, 27, on June 24, 2021 on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE.

At the hearing, Jackson requested a new trial because the defense was unable to call his girlfriend as a witness. However it was rejected by Judge O’Keefe due to a clarification that the defense had chosen to withhold the witness. 

The prosecution argued that a sentence of 40 years was a fair sentence for the murder of Gill. They asserted that the loss of Gill impacted the victim’s family in unprecedented ways, as well as their community.  

They mentioned his flippant behavior, citing his laughing and making jokes in front of the jury during trial. 

The prosecution read a victim impact statement written by Gill’s child’s mother, in which she stated their child would “never know her father.” 

Jackson’s defense attorneys, Alvin Thomas and Wole Falodun, stated that while his behavior can be perceived as “difficult,” he is in fact fighting for his life. 

The defense requested a sentence of 30 years on the grounds of self defense, arguing that Jackson “did what he had to do.” They assert that Gill had previously shot Jackson and that he came into the neighborhood that day looking for his mother, and not trouble. 

Mental health concerns were also presented as a mitigating circumstance by the defense, after he was examined by a court appointed doctor. 

Jackson apologized to Gill’s family, saying he was traumatized and had broken his own heart. 

He claimed that he was unaware of any mental health issues that were affecting him, and stated he is now getting treatment. Jackson claimed he “died that day too” and was ready to accept any sentence. 

Judge O’Keefe acknowledged the prior shooting incident between Jackson and Gill, but argued that Jackson should’ve reported him in accordance with the law instead of listening to the “way of the streets.” He also stated that Jackson was found competent to stand trial regardless of his mental health diagnosis. 

Jackson was sentenced to 40 years of incarceration, with 5 years supervised release on the charge of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, and three years with three years supervised release on the charge of a felony of carrying a dangerous weapon. The sentences will run concurrently. 

No further dates were set.