‘I Grew Up Without My Dad, I Know How Difficult That Can Be,’ Says Shooting Defendant

By Madelyn Nall - November 4, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a defendant who pleaded guilty to a shooting incident to 32 months incarceration, suspending all but 18 months during a hearing on Nov. 1.

On Aug. 23, David Blanks, 38, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 21, on the 1600 block of V Street, NE. No injuries were reported. 

Blanks also had a prior domestic violence charge, but the case was dropped as part of the plea agreement for this incident. His wife was the victim in that case. 

According to court documents, Blanks’ wife alerted officers that Blanks had fired a gun five-to-six times outside of their home while intoxicated in front of their shared children. During a search warrant, a handgun was found in the residence, with seven rounds of ammunition.  

Blanks’ family was present in the courtroom, but Judge Di Toro asked for them to wait in a conference room, since there were young children in the group. Blanks’ wife stayed in the courtroom. 

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 32 months incarceration, leaning toward the higher side of the guidelines. The prosecutor said that they cannot ignore the significance of the incident and the psychological and emotional harm the incident caused to the complainant. 

The prosecution did acknowledge that the complainant in this case, Blanks’ wife, wrote a letter in support of the defendant. 

Defense attorney Angela Ramsay stated that the defendant regrets what happened that day, and that this is, “not what he’s all about.” She stated that Blanks needs assistance with his alcohol use, and said that Blanks knew his actions were reckless.

Ramsay stated that Blanks is an “exemplary father,” and very involved in his children’s lives. She added he’s a hard worker and serves as the sole source of income for their family. According to Ramsay, he works as an electrician, and the defense submitted a letter from his employer in the pre-sentencing report. 

“He has too much going for him to be sitting in jail,” Ramsay stated. 

Ramsay also said that without Blanks’ income, his family is at risk of becoming homeless. 

Blanks’ wife had a chance to speak on his behalf, and to shed light on the impact his incarceration has had on their family. 

She said that Blanks is the, “greatest father I’ve ever known.” She told the court how without him, she and her family of five children have been struggling, not only financially, but in raising their kids. She stated Blanks is her only help, and that her children keep asking why their father isn’t home.

Blanks’ wife stated that she never saw herself as a victim, but rather felt responsible.

“I feel like I should be held accountable,” she explained. “If I wasn’t transporting him to get alcohol, then maybe there would’ve been a different outcome.”

“I took him from them,” she cried. 

Judge Di Toro protested stating that she is not the one on trial; it is Blanks’ actions that led him here. 

Blanks also spoke to the court. He apologized to his family, and took full responsibility for his actions. He said he realized how one mistake can take away your entire life. 

Blanks also talked about his children, saying he teaches them sports, reads with them, and that they enjoy their life.

“I grew up without my dad, I know how difficult that can be,” Blanks stated. 

Blanks also clarified that he never pointed the gun at any of his family. After being asked a question about his drug usage by Judge Di Toro, Blanks stated that he “doesn’t deal with that stuff anymore.”

To his wife, he said, “I want to apologize to you and the boys.” 

Judge Di Toro expressed concern about the potential “escalating violence” that she already sees developing with Blanks and his family. Blanks’ pattern started with a domestic violence incident, and has now accelerated to waving around a gun in front of his family. Di Toro stated that it is not his partner’s responsibility, and she doesn’t want Blanks’ family to take responsibility for his actions.

“It is your responsibility,” she stated.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Blanks to 32 months incarceration, suspending 14 of those months. She assigned Blanks three years of supervised release, and suspended all but 18 months to complete probation. 

Blanks is to enroll in a domestic violence intervention program assigned by Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), anger management, alcohol abuse treatment, and, at Blanks request, parenting classes. 

No further dates have been set.