DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein revoked a shooting defendant’s probation on Sept. 18, following his failure to appear at a Sept. 6 hearing and multiple probation violations.
Davon Easton, 31, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict on Dec. 20, 2022, for his involvement in the shooting of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer on the 1300 block of Spring Road, NW. The officer sustained a graze wound to his forehead.
On Sept. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun issued a bench warrant for Easton due to his failure to appear in court for a probation show cause hearing.
In an order issued on Aug. 27, Judge Okun stated he had received an “alleged violation report” from Easton’s probation officer, which stated Easton had “failed to drug test and to report as directed.”
During the Sept. 18 hearing, Easton’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, requested Judge Epstein, who was standing in for Judge Okun, release Easton back into the community and give him a chance to complete his probation requirements.
According to O’Sullivan, Easton is new to the District, has a job, and is pursuing a relationship with a teenage son he recently discovered. O’Sullivan added that Easton is his parents’ caregiver as they confront illness.
The prosecution objected stating that Easton’s actions reflect his inability to better himself, citing a criminal history.
Judge Epstein revoked Easton’s probation, noting the broken rules and that his current circumstances were not a motivation for self-improvement.
Parties are expected to return to court on Oct. 4.
