In Sentencing Judge Calls Defendant’s Actions a ‘Waste of Life’

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 10, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

In exasperation, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow revoked Mondell Hawkins’ parole and sentenced him to prison on shooting charges in an Aug. 10 hearing.  

Hawkins, 23, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to an incident that took place on Nov. 20, 2021 near the 1200 block of  Mount Olivet Road.

According to court documents, Hawkins was shooting at people who had robbed a friend of his, and they were shooting back at him. 

Hawkins’ attorney, Stephen Logerfo says Hawkins is “remorseful” for what happened and he’s glad no one was injured.  Hawkins had earlier agreed to accept a plea and was given probation.  

However, Judge Pasichow said that Hawkins had squandered a “tremendous opportunity” by not following the terms of his probation so frequently, “It was hard to keep track of the compliance issues”   

Judge Pasichow also alluded to an additional charge against Hawkins involving crack cocaine. She said overall this is a “very, very serious case,” and while she wanted to give him a chance the new drug infraction is “beyond me.”  Hawkins has a small child at home.

She decried Hawkins behavior as a “waste of life.”

Hawkins also had a high criminal score meaning based on a number of factors including the severity of the offense, the judge may impose a harsher sentence.  

Judge Pasichow sentenced Hawkins to 48 months for the assault charge and 24 months for gun possession to be served concurrently with credit for time served.  Upon release he’ll have three years supervised probation and be required to register as a gun offender. 

When Hawkins goes to prison, he will get mental health screening, a drug assessment, vocational training and take part in a violence reduction program.