Judge Sentences Convicted Murderers to 20 Years in Prison

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 11, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

On July 9,  a DC Superior Court judge sentenced two men to 20 years in prison for a murder they committed more than a decade ago.

Don Hancock and Reynauld Cook were found guilty of second-degree murder while armed for the shooting death of  Nacarto Gladden on the 4900 block of Quarles Street, NE in 2004.  

According to court documents, multiple witnesses reported that they saw Hancock, 34, pull Gladden, 32, from his car and force him to the ground. Apparently, Hancock and Gladden were “tussling” when Cook, 34, shot Gladden.

During Hancock’s hearing, Judge Judith Bartnoff said she received a letter from Hancock claiming his innocence and requesting a sentence below the sentencing guidelines.

Several members of Hancock’s family told the judge that Hancock was not a killer. 

“I am just gonna ask that you have mercy on my son,” Hancock’s mother told the judge.

Cook’s family was present for the sentencing but declined to speak.  Cook said that he too maintains his innocence and asked for the lowest sentence possible.

“I appreciate that Mr. Cook maintains his innocence but that’s not what the jury thought,” said Judge Bartnoff. “There’s nothing that can make this better or easier, a man lost his life in horrible circumstances.”

Each defendant is also required to serve five years on probation following their release.