Judge Sentences Co-defendants for 2017 Homicide

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Nearly three years after a man was killed in Northeast DC, a judge convicted and sentenced two men who the prosecutor says are responsible.

In April, Markale Moore and Tyrone Harris pleaded guilty in connection to the shooting death of 27-year-old Arthur Thompkins on the 5400 block of Hunt Place, NE in 2017.

According to DCCourts, Maurice Allen also pleaded guilty and was sentenced in connection to Thompkin’s death. In April, Allen pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice and was sentenced to time served.

On May 31, Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Moore, 30, to 21.5 years in prison for second-degree murder while armed. Harris, 31, was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon.

“Nothing can change the broken heart I feel every night and every day,” Thompkins mother said, addressing the court.

Thompkins’ mother said he had four children and while he had “demons” he was trying to be a better father. She said that she was especially hurt because she knows Moore. Apparently, Thompkins and Moore grew up together and Moore frequented the mother’s house.

“I have no joy and the little joy that I have is diminishing,” Thompkin’s sister said, explaining the pain she’s enduring in her brother’s absence.

Thompkins sister spoke about how smart and strong her brother was. She said that when he set a goal he would obtain it. Apparently, Thompkins went to college.

“I apologize,” Harris said addressing the Thompkin family. “ I know it’s not going to change anything but that’s all I can do.”

According to defense attorney, Michael Madden, Harris supplied Moore with the gun. However, Madden said his client didn’t know Moore would use it to kill someone.

“I want to apologize,” Moore said. “At that moment, I felt it was either me or him but, because of my drug use, I didn’t take the time to sit down and talk.”

Defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, said Moore was “thrown to the wolves” when he was a child and that he became gang affiliated at a young age. Mosley said Moore’s mother was a drug addict and that his father was incarcerated for selling drugs.

Prior to delivering her sentence, Judge Dayson said Moore was the “primary actor” and noted that while she understands why Moore was gang affiliated that he made no effort to separate himself.

Judge Dayson also said Moore has a criminal history. According to DC Courts, Moore was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon in 2013.

Moore is expected to serve five years on supervised release following his sentence. Harris is expected to serve three years on supervised release after his term in prison.