‘I Think He Deserves More Than This Agreement,’ Judge Says During Sentencing

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a defendant to 18 years in prison on March 27 for his involvement in a fatal shooting.

On Nov. 22, 2024, Rashon Hall, 29, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Joseph Simmons on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on Jan. 3, 2021.

According to court documents, Hall aided and abetted another individual by driving them to and from the murder scene.

During the hearing, prosecutors read a letter submitted by Simmons’ aunt, in which she said Simmons was “a good kid and father.” According to Simmons’ aunt, he had his whole life ahead of him, adding his loss has left a deep hole in their family.

“I pray for you, young man, that you turn your life around, cause Jojo don’t have that opportunity,” the aunt’s statement read.

Prosecutors requested Judge O’Keefe sentence Hall to 18 years, citing the seriousness of the offense. According to the prosecution, cell site evidence and videos show Hall’s blue vehicle picking someone up from the Garfield Heights neighborhood, driving them to the shooting scene, waiting for them, and driving them back seconds after the murder occurred.

Hall did everything in his power to hide his involvement in the incident, the prosecutor said, explaining he painted his blue vehicle black before dumping it in the Garfield Heights neighborhood two days after the homicide.

They also stated that when a witness asked him how Simmons died over Instagram messages, Hall responded with three shrugging emojis.

“This crime only happens because of the driver,” the prosecution insisted, adding that Hall “allowed the shooter to escape identification and a capture.”

Judge O’Keefe questioned if it had been an option to have Hall help identify the shooter as part of his plea agreement. “That’s always an option,” the prosecutor told him.

Dana Page, Hall’s attorney, asked Judge O’Keefe to impose a 13-year sentence, stating Hall took responsibility for his involvement.

“He did the things that he did to cover it up, but in the end he took responsibility,” Page said, stating Hall has been attempting to change his life around during his incarceration.

According to Page, Hall experienced, observed, and suffered violence growing up, and “it’s a phenomenon we as a society need to deal with,” regarding individuals who sustained violence and continue to cause more of it.

“He’s doing what he needs to do to become a better person,” Page told Judge O’Keefe.

“I need to help me before I can help others,” Hall said, apologizing to Simmons’ family for their loss, and requesting Judge O’Keefe recommend programs that will help him become a role model for the community’s youth.

“I’m interested in being better,” he said. “God has his way of humbling us.”

Judge O’Keefe stated Hall was “enticed by the life he got involved in,” citing his prior arrests for illegal possessions of a firearm and his involvement in the marijuana trade.

Judge O’Keefe imposed an 18 year sentence, stating there are no mitigating factors that would require a more lenient sentence.

“He did not assist in the apprehension of the shooter,” Judge O’Keefe noted, adding “I think he deserves more than this agreement. He’s getting a lenient sentence in my mind.”

Hall was ordered to participate in mental health and substance abuse assessments and treatment, grief and trauma counseling, vocational training, and a violence reduction program.

“I hope you have changed and continue to better yourself,” Judge O’Keefe told Hall, adding “Good luck, Mr. Hall.”

No further dates were set.