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By
Raina Bonifacio
, Mia Kimm , Amber Fienagha - February 4, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a homicide defendant to 37 years of incarceration and an obstruction of justice defendant to seven years of probation on Jan. 31.
Eugene Burns, 32, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on Nov. 14, 2015 on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.
Burns and co-defendant Tyre Allen, 24, were also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness to redact testimony of an alleged confession to the murder made by Burns to the witness.
Burns was initially convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020 on a technicality.
The prosecution said that, while there would be a strong argument for applying the original sentence which was the mandatory minimum of 360 months of imprisonment, they believe an increased sentence of 648 months would be more appropriate.
The prosecution said the victim impact statement highlights effect of a crime motivated by greed and self-enrichment. During the trial, the prosecution told the jury that Burns murdered Osuchukwu, his best friend, because he didn’t feel he was getting a fair share of the money from their joint drug business.
The prosecution also spoke of the importance of preserving the integrity and legitimacy of judicial proceedings and the fair administration of justice while highlighting that Burns had not accepted responsibility.
“Instead of defending himself, he tried to cheat and undermine the judicial process,” the prosecution said. “The deception and manipulation Burns has committed is the common thread through this case.”
Burns’ defense attorney, Rosemary Szanyi, argued that a person should not receive a larger punishment because he has been convicted upon retrial. She also stated that Burns did not engage in violence or financial coercion. Furthermore, Szanyi argued that recidivism decreases with age, so a lengthy sentence wouldn’t be appropriate.
Initially, the prosecution requested that Allen receive jail time due to the nature and gravity of the offenses, arguing that probation, which they deemed an “extraordinary benefit,” should not be granted to someone who doesn’t respect rule of law.
“Most of my friends I grew up with are at DC Jail,” Allen stated.
Allen shared that he grew up around friends who were a bad influence and promoted behaviors that got him trouble.
“I just ask for another chance, Your honor,” he stated.
After Allen’s statement, the prosecution \asked to revise their recommendation against probation.
The court denied the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) for Allen, which would seal the defendant’s conviction if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements. He has a suspended sentence, a concurrent 12 months probation for each count followed by five years supervision.
Burns was sentenced to 37 years of imprisonment.
No further dates were set.