DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt imposed an eight year sentence on a non-fatal shooting defendant in a sentencing on July 2.
On May 1, Brandon Ross, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2024, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The shooting injured one person, who sustained five gunshot wounds.
Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of eight-to-10 years.
The prosecution requested the maximum sentence outlined by the plea agreement, arguing that Ross has demonstrated a “capacity to snap in dangerous ways.” He credited Ross’ relationship with his family, highlighting that his mother “expressed surprise” at Ross’ behavior and claimed “the streets will drag you down” after learning about his involvement.
Prosecutors also noted that Ross had received multiple mental illness diagnoses and had a “deep and broad” drug use history.
Ross’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, argued for the minimum sentence of eight years. She also requested that Ross receive drug use and mental health treatment while he is incarcerated, which prosecutors did not oppose.
Weletz asserted that Ross was a victim of a robbery the night of the incident, pointing to a 911 call made 11 minutes prior which described people with guns at the scene.
Weletz described Ross’ criminal history as “dated.” She highlighted that Ross worked for his uncle and maintained a close relationship with his family, calling him his “uncle’s best worker” and “the rock of the family.” Weletz asserted that Ross has five children who he is “interested in becoming a father for.”
Ross expressed remorse during the hearing, claiming “If the victim was here, I would apologize.”
Judge Brandt expressed confidence in Ross’ family support, saying that “[his] family support is always going to be there for [him].” The judge also appreciated Ross’ apology, characterizing his remorse as “from the heart.”
Parties agreed that there was a level of prior familiarity between the victim and Ross. Judge Brandt elaborated that they “weren’t mysteries to each other.”
According to Weletz and Judge Brandt, the victim left the scene with other unknown individuals to go to the hospital and never reported the crime. Judge Brandt expressed that this information was not “victim shaming,” rather an attempt to highlight the fact that “there’s more to the story than the outcome.”
Judge Brandt ultimately sentenced Ross to eight years for each charge, which are to be served concurrently. For the aggravated assault charge, Ross was sentenced to five years of supervised release. For the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge, Ross was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
No further dates were set.
