Judge Says Shooting is ‘Not a Simple Case,’ in Sentencing Defendant to 3 Years 

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DC Superior Court Judge Erroll Arthur sentenced a defendant to three years of incarceration for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident, during a Feb. 20 hearing.

On Dec. 13, 2024, Deon Thaxton, 32, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a shooting incident on Sept. 2, 2024, at the 2100 Block of I Street, NE. No injuries were reported. 

Thaxton will serve out his time in a psychiatric facility due to mental health issues. Before giving the official sentencing, Judge Arthur said that because of Thaxton’s long criminal record since being a juvenile, “this is not a simple case.”

Judge Arthur also acknowledged Thaxton’s ongoing mental health struggles and therefore did not want to see him “locked up in a cage” any more than he needed to be.

Thaxton was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration for the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and 36 months for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, which will be served concurrently, totaling three years of incarceration.

Thaxton is required to pay $200 total to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund and must register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.