Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 14 years in Prison

By Amanda Michelson [former] - July 25, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a homicide defendant to 14 years in prison. 

In an April 26 hearing, Gregory Washington, 32, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Alie Labay on the 900 block of 21st Street, NE on the morning of Oct. 24, 2019. He was initially charged with s charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and first-degree burglary while armed.

“You have chosen a greater path while incarcerated,” Judge Brandt told Washington during the July 25 hearing. “I hope that continues.”

Washington will serve five years of supervised release, in accordance with the plea agreement. Washington will also have to register as a gun offender. 

According to court documents, Labay was in a relationship with Washington’s ex-wife.

 “I am kindly appealing to the honorable judge to give the maximum sentence,” Labay’s father said. 

“The family does not want the defendant to inflict this pain on any other family,” Labay’s mother said in a letter to the court. 

Labay’s fiancée and brother also requested that Judge Brandt sentence Washington to the maximum sentence.

The prosecutor also read four additional impact statements, asking the judge to give Labay the maximum sentence.

The plea agreement stipulated a term of 14 years in prison. 

Washington’s defense attorney, Amanda Rogers, said that Washington is “prepared to serve that sentence.”

Rogers pointed to Washington’s accomplishments while in DC jail, saying he is the head of the detail unit, teaches religious classes, and is a peace ambassador. 

Rogers also described Washington as “the most soft spoken and peaceful client I have ever had.” 

Washington declined to speak. 

“You have my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one,” Judge Brandt said to the family. “Nothing I can say in the next five or six minutes can take away a grieving family’s pain.” 

On the day of the incident, the couple was sleeping on the couch when the ex-wife awoke to the defendant tussling with the victim, according to court documents. The ex-wife tried to separate the defendant from Labay but became afraid and fled to another room with her child. Shortly after, she stated that she heard two to three gunshots.

Judge Brandt agreed to the defense’s request to recommend that Washington be held at USP Allenwood in Pennsylvania.