Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant to 2 Years in Prison

By Katie Gallagher [former] - June 30, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a domestic violence defendant for assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted kidnapping.

Zhong Chen was initially charged with kidnapping while armed for an incident that occurred on Sept. 27, 2021. Chen accepted a plea deal in March 2022. As part of the plea agreement, Chen was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted kidnapping.

The assault was against Chen’s spouse and occurred at the Shanghai Tokyo Cafe in Washington, D.C. 

“I would first like to apologize to my brother’s wife and three children,” said the defendant’s sister during the sentencing on June 30. She explained that Chen was under immense stress and had always been a good son to their parents. 

During the plea deal Chen admitted that he was trying to convince the victim not to end their marriage. He agreed that he was not defending himself or anyone else and was of sound mind. 

“It demonstrates a very aggressive physical attack on someone who was or appeared to be incapable of defending herself,” Judge Ryan said of the video and photographic evidence. 

“I have had to do a lot of healing,” said the defendant’s son in a very emotional impact statement. “I do not wish to have my father in my life, I just wish him the best from afar.” 

Chen was sentenced to 28-months for assault with a dangerous weapon, 14 of which are suspended, as well as 24-months for attempted kidnapping, suspending all but 10 months.  

“I’m not here to debate whether or not my son or wife have spoken the truth,” Chen said. “I regret what I did, and I apologize to the victims.”

Chen will serve 2-years in DC Jail followed by three years of probation with mandated participation in the domestic violence program, a mental health assessment and an evaluation for gambling addiction and treatment.

Ryan cited cross-cultural differences, an oral history of domestic violence, and a zero criminal history score as elements he took into account when deciding Chen’s sentence.