Judge Grants Motion to Decrease Defendant’s Sentence

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During a motions hearing on July 3, a DC Superior Court Judge granted the prosecution’s motion to reduce a defendant’s sentenced.

Dexter Motley

In 2017, a jury found Johnathan Taylor guilty of first-degree murder while armed for the death of 25- year-old Dexter Motley on the unit block of 46th Place, NE in 2014. Taylor, 28, was also found guilty of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm and obstruction of violence. Taylor was sentenced to 40 years in prison in 2017. 

The prosecution filed a motion to reduce Taylor’s sentence because of his cooperation. The prosecutor did not provide any other specifics about Tabor’s cooperation.

The prosecution told Judge José M. López  that the defendant has come a long way. The prosecutor said Taylor “earned” a reduced sentence.

Judge Lopez granted the motion to reduce the sentence for the defendant on one charge, but his other charges will stay the same. D.C. Witness couldn’t verify the charge that Judge Lopez will reduce.

Taylor is also serving six years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in connection to the death of 23-year-old Dwayne Dilliard on the 2600 block of Douglas Place, SE on July 4, 2015.

Dwayne Dillard

 

In 2017 two defendants, Harry Herbert and Shakim Lyons, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm for their roles in Dillard’s death. Herbert, 31, was sentenced to 11 years in prison Lyons, 30, was sentenced to two years in prison. 

Last year, a fourth defendant, 28-year-old James Coffield, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his role in Dillard’s death. Corrfield was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.  

 

 

 

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