Judge Says to Carjack Defendant, ‘You Can Train Pets Not to Bite People’

By - November 29, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting |

During a Nov. 29 sentencing hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian accepted an 11c1C plea agreement reducing the potential punishment for Basil Thomas, 20, but did not impose a sentence. 

Thomas was originally charged with two counts of armed carjacking, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license, among other charges, for his involvement in two armed carjackings that left Thomas injured by his own gun on March 3 on the 4400 block of 8th Street, NE, and the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

On Sept. 6, Thomas, 21,  agreed and pleaded guilty to carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a crime of violence with a prior conviction.

Security cameras from nearby areas capture the carjackings and show two suspects fleeing the scene after the victim fights back and gets access to Thomas’ gun. Thomas was shot once in the thigh and was later identified at the National Children’s Medical Center by the victim. 

Defense counsel for Thomas, Hannah Claudio, stated her client feels extremely remorseful and “at his core, he wants to do well.” As she continued, Judge Christian cut her off, saying, “It’s just one year after the next,” emphasizing these actions are “more than mistakes” and instead “intentional depraved heart acts.”

Judge Christian went further by stating this agreement is “very lenient” for a “close to a throwaway the key case” and does not think it is warranted. 

Claudio stressed that she was not saying anything to justify or excuse her client’s actions but rather to explain better how his upbringing impacted his life course. 

An official from Rehabilitation Services and a special education representative spoke regarding the importance of structure, support, and the specialized instruction Thomas has been getting at the DC Jail.

When arguing that Thomas’ background shaped his behavior today, Judge Christian responded, “I mean, you can train pets not to bite people.”

Imposing the sentence would require Thomas move to the Bureau of Prisons, where these educational opportunities are unavailable, and he would not be able to attain his GED. Thomas is set to graduate in February 2025. 

The prosecution did not oppose the request to stay in DC, as long as the court agreed to impose the sentence if there is future non-compliance. 

Judge Christian decided not to impose the sentence and set a follow-up hearing to discuss Thomas’ progress in school. At that hearing, a list of individuals who visit Thomas and a copy of his report card will be required. 

Parties are set to return to court on June 28th, 2024.