In Sentencing Shooting Defendant Takes ‘Full Responsibility’ for His Actions

By Sophie Griggs [former] - September 11, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sep. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 14 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm. 

Adkins Francois, 35, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to an incident that took place at 6200 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NE on May 5. Francois endured a gunshot wound during the incident. 

According to court documents, police responded to a call from a Shell Gas Station where they located multiple shell casings and bullet damage to a gas pump. After reviewing CCTV footage, police reported that the defendant spoke with two individuals seemingly in a joking manner and was then punched in the chest by one of them. Francois ran behind a vehicle and he and another individual began to exchange gunshots.

On June 28, Francois pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm due to having a prior conviction of more than one year. “Mr. Adkins accepted responsibility in this case as early as he could,” said Francois’s attorney, Charles Haskell. 

Haskell, during sentencing, asked Judge Christain for Francois to be placed in the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) as he is still recovering from the shooting incident and needs weekly treatment. The prosecution countered by recommending “32 months incarceration”.

“I’d appreciate you letting me go back into society with my family,” said Francois as he addressed the judge in the hearing. He also said “I take full responsibility.” 

Judge Christian sentenced Francois to 14 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Francois is also required to register as a gun offender and pay a fine to the court.