Judge Sentences 19-Year-Old in Armed Carjacking Case

By Sydnee Bridges [former] - June 13, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

In a June 13 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced Cornell Smith, 19, to four years in prison in keeping with a plea deal for an attempt to commit robbery while armed. 

According to court documents, on Sept. 18, 2020, Cornell Smith,19, attempted to carjack an off duty police officer’s vehicle on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. In the melee, shots were fired by both Smith and the officer, leaving Smith wounded. 

Prosecutors argued that Smith should serve the full plea deal sentence of 48 months for assault with intent to commit robbery and 18 months for carrying a pistol without a license concurrently. 

Based on his time with the DC ​​Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), prosecutors claimed Smith is a danger to the community and should be held for the full sentence. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley countered the prosecution’s arguments, stating that due to Smith’s learning disabilities and past childhood trauma, his time at DYRS was productive but difficult.

Mosley closed emphasizing the progress Smith has made since his time served pre-sentencing.  

After hearing both the prosecution and defense’s arguments, Judge Park sentenced Smith to a concurrent 48 months for both assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license. 

The 19-year-old said before the court, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry to my mother… I’m sorry to the victim… I’m trying to change my life around.”