Judge Sentences ‘Grown Man’ to 8 Years for Teenager’s Death

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 22, 2019
Court | Homicides | Policy | Suspects |

During a hearing Feb. 22, a D.C. Superior Court judge sentenced a 43-year-old man to eight years in prison for fatally shooting a teenager, who was less than half his age. “A grown man shot a boy,” the prosecution said.

In September of 2018, Antwan Horactio Buchanan pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the death of 18-year-old Teshean Jermaine Ashe on the 700 block of 16th Street, NE in 2016.

Buchanan’s eight year sentence stems from an agreement between counsel in accordance to D.C.’s plea agreement procedure 11(c)1(c). The policy states that the prosecution and the defense can set a specific sentence or sentencing range that they deem fit for the circumstances of the case.

Prior to accepting the agreement, Judge Danya Dayson inquired about why Buchanan was offered such a plea given the defendant’s extensive criminal history, which includes assault and a gun charge.

Judge Dayson ultimately found the prosecution’s explanation satisfactory after she said the plea was based on the strength of the evidence in the case and the defendant’s willingness to take responsibility for his actions.

“Why did you murder my grandson?” Ashe’s grandmother said addressing the court. “I don’t know what an 18 year old could have done to you that you would kill him in broad daylight.”

“I apologize,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan told the court that he felt “pressured” into “defending” himself from Ashe.

“I really didn’t want to take your son’s life and that’s the truth,” Buchanan said noting that he’s a father of seven. Buchanan didn’t elaborate about how he ended up shooting the teen.

According to the prosecution, Ashe was riding a bike in a parking lot, when he got into a verbal altercation with Buchanan. Apparently, the argument escalated, Ashe ran away and Buchanan followed him. The prosecutor said Buchanan then pulled out a gun and shot Ashe four times.

Defense attorney Frederick Sullivan said Buchanan believed he was acting in self-defense. Sullivan also said that Buchanan was recently diagnosed with a mental disorder for the first time.

Buchanan is expected to serve five years on supervised release after he is released from prison.