Judge Appoints Defense Co-Counsel One Month Before Shooter's Sentence

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Responding to defense attorney Destiny Fullwood-Singh’s request to withdraw from Aaron Brown‘s case, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt agreed on April 28 to appoint a second attorney to hold meetings with Brown during the month leading up to his sentencing.

On Dec. 20, 2024, Brown, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in two shootings that occurred on March 1, 2020. One occurred on the 600 block of S Street, NW, resulting in the death of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes and the injury of a second juvenile. No injuries were reported from the other shooting, which occurred on the unit block of Channing Street, NE.

Through the deal, prosecutors agreed to limit their sentencing request to 18 years in prison.

At the April 28 hearing, Judge Brandt noted that Brown’s plea agreement, unlike most others, is subject to Rule 11(c)(1)(C) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Plea deals of this type place limits on the sentence that can be imposed, so the attorneys’ statements at sentencing don’t have as much effect.

“There is no strategy or anything like that that is going to be impacted,” Judge Brandt said. She asked why Brown wanted to change attorneys under these circumstances.

“My interests no longer align with Mr. Brown’s interests,” Fullwood-Singh told the court. Regarding Brown’s sentencing, she said, “All the work is done,” but added, “I still have to visit my client.”

Fullwood-Singh declined to say more in open court, citing attorney-client privilege. She suggested Judge Brandt ask Brown if he wanted to provide more explanation.

“We’re having trouble communicating with each other respectfully,” Brown stated. “I might overtalk her, and she might say, ‘Are you listening, or do you want me to leave?’ and I might become impatient.”

“I apologize to her also for losing my composure,” said Brown. “I know I need to listen to her when she speaks. I just want her to be able to listen to me when I speak.”

Judge Brandt urged Brown to continue working with Fullwood-Singh for the last few weeks of the case.

“Mr. Brown is not asking. I am asking,” Fullwood-Singh responded. “May I approach under seal?”

“I have a better idea of what’s going on,” Judge Brandt said after a private bench conference with Fullwood-Singh. “I’m going to appoint a second attorney to co-chair the remainder of this with Ms. [Fullwood-]Singh.”

Judge Brandt asked all parties for understanding if she needed more time than usual to find an attorney who was not disqualified from representing Brown by previous involvement in some aspect of the case.

“This case has been expansive, and a lot of attorneys have touched this case,” Judge Brandt explained. “If you give me until the end of the day or tomorrow, we’re going to make this work.”

“I think your public apology went a long way to righting the ship,” Judge Brandt told Brown.

Parties are next slated to convene on May 23.

Judge Appoints Defense Co-Counsel One Month Before Shooter’s Sentence