‘I Was Going Through Something,’ Shooting Defendant Tells Judge at Sentencing 

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DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a shooting defendant to 51 months of incarceration on March 13. 

On Jan. 13, Marquise Henry, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in an Oct. 13, 2024 shooting on the 1300 block of Stevens Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

Prosecutors read a written victim impact statement in which the 70-year-old woman who was shot stated she never thought she’d “experience something so terrifying.” 

The letter continued, with the woman stating she drove too slow for Henry, and his road rage and anger ensued as he followed her in DC traffic and continuously cut her off. She stated she called 911, and the dispatcher heard the shot as she attempted to drive away. 

The woman wrote she is still afraid to drive or ride in a car, and added “people like him shouldn’t be on the streets. We’re killing others over nothing.”

Prosecutors requested Judge Hertzfeld sentence Henry to 51 months for the assault and 36 months for the possession charge, stating he “allowed his road rage and anger get the best of him.”

According to the prosecutor, Henry had three kids in the car with him during the incident. The prosecution stated they were “extremely concerned with this conduct.” However, they appreciated Henry’s attempts at rehabilitation, citing he’s participated in parenting classes at the DC Jail. 

Anthony Smith, Henry’s attorney, requested Judge Hertzfeld sentence him with a long-split sentence, emphasizing probation over prison time, stating he admitted responsibility early in the case and has dealt with a lot of mental health issues and needs counseling. 

Smith added Henry has a young child and wants the opportunity to seek the help he needs. 

“I apologize to the victim. I was going through something at the time,” Henry said, with Judge Hertzfeld replying, “that was terrifying for this lady.”

Judge Hertzfeld stated she did not believe a long-split sentence was appropriate in this case due to Henry’s lengthy criminal history and his prior failure to comply with release conditions. 

She imposed a 51 months sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon, and 36 months for possession of a firearm by a convict. The sentences will run concurrently, and Henry will be required to serve three years of supervised release. 

No further dates were set.