Judge Sentences Defendant in Fatal Hit-And-Run Case 

By Lauren Tepper [former] - July 22, 2022
Court | Homicides | Suspects | Traffic | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a man convicted of a fatal hit and run to 180 days in prison.

Tylek Dunkins, 20, pleaded guilty to leaving after colliding with personal injury. Dunkins was initially charged with second-degree murder; however, after the prosecution reviewed the speed, it was determined that the speed was lower than reported. The defendant’s charges were reduced to a misdemeanor. 

On Oct. 24, 2019, Dunkins was driving eastbound on East Capitol Street, when he struck Amoni Richardson, 15, who was crossing the street with a friend, according to court documents. Approximately 18 minutes later, she was pronounced dead.  

Multiple members of both families spoke during the July 22 sentencing. A victim impact statement was read by Amoni’s mother in court.                

Dunkins’ mother and sister also spoke about how Dunkins has been incredibly impacted by this incident.

The family lost Dunkins’ brother months before Dunkins was charged and this has weighed significantly on him and the family as a whole, his mother said.

Dunkins delivered a tearful statement as well. Throughout the proceedings Dunkins was visibly remorseful. 

Defense attorney, Joseph Wong, described how Dunkins “panicked in the moment” and immediately called his mom and asked what he should do after he fled the scene.

The main point of the defenses’ argument was imploring Judge Raffinan to “separate the actions from the result.” 

Dunkins also has a pending trial case in Maryland for felony charges. 

In addition to Dunkins180-day sentence, he will also serve 2 years on probation, is required to fulfill 90 hours of community service and pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.

While on probation, Dunkins must get grief counseling, vocational counseling/training, not drive in DC without a valid permit, get drug testing, alcohol testing, enroll in an alcohol treatment program, enroll in a drug treatment program and enroll in an educational program.