‘I Don’t Want to Lose My Son. I Would Die if I Did,’ Says Dad of Assault and Strangulation in Longstanding Family Dispute

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DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced an intellectually challenged defendant to 84 months of suspended time for a strangulation offense in a hearing on Dec. 3. The case pitted a son against his mother who was described in court proceedings as controlling and verbally abusive.

Mico Dutch, 25, pleaded guilty to the charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and strangulation on Sept. 25 for injuries his mother sustained after an argument turned violent on July 16 on the 3700 block of 4th Street, SE. A vehicle was damaged during the incident, and no injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, Dutch threatened to shoot his mother and then continued to assault and strangle her. The defendant shot multiple rounds into his mother’s vehicle, later fleeing and discarding the gun. 

Dutch’s defense attorney, Santia McLaurin, explained how “Dutch is more than just his crimes,” he is a “compassionate and sensitive person” who has been the victim of neglect and academic abuse in behavioral school suffering from ADHD. 

Dutch graduated high school without knowing how to read and write, dependent on family and friends for his needs. He lived with his mother who apparently controlled his disability payments. McLaurin said she often lashed out at him. 

Ultimately, McLaurin said he just snapped in anger and frustration given his circumstances. 

The prosecution in essence sided with the defense, claiming “history is what led him to this point,” in requesting a total of 6 months incarceration with 12 months of suspended probation. 

Dutch apologized and claimed he had learned from a big mistake, and for “the harm I caused my mother.” He said he just “wants a happy family again.” 

McLaurin said Dutch “needs a second chance,” as this is an opportunity for him to finally receive the help he needs–including mental health evaluations and medications, educational programs such as tutoring, and a stable environment with his father and employment with his uncle. 

McLaurin requested a split sentence for Dutch, in which he would get credit for time served and spend the rest of his 18-month sentence on suspended probation. 

Dutch’s father himself for being detached in that he would have rather keep the peace with Dutch’s mother than fight for his child.

“It’s my responsibility now,” Dutch’s father proclaimed, vowing, “I am going to fix it one day at a time.” 

“I don’t want to lose my son. I would die if I did,” Dutch’s father emotionally exclaimed to Judge Christian. 

Judge Christian pointed out this case could have easily ended Dutch’s life forever. 

The judge sentenced him to 60 months of suspended time for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and 24 months of suspended time for the strangulation charge, consecutively. Both charges also hold 3 years of supervised release and 2 years of probation concurrently. 

Additionally, Dutch must pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund and register as a gun offender for at least 2 years. During his probation, Dutch must stay away from his mother and where she lives.

The parties set no further dates.