Judge Sentences Involuntary Manslaughter Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 29, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to five years of incarceration, of which two years were suspended with credit for time served, plus 18 months of supervised release.

Adrian Vinson pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for the death of 19-year-old Tahlil Byrd, a resident of Southeast, DC, on the 600 block of S Street, NW on Sept. 29.

During the July 29 hearing, Judge Ronna Beck sentenced the defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act. His case will be effectively sealed from public view if he completes the terms of his probation.

Judge Beck also ordered that Vinson take anger management classes. He must cooperate with any educational, vocational, employment and substance abuse programs directed by the Court Services Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

“I’m deeply remorseful for the pain I’ve caused this family,” said Vinson, 20. “Since I’ve been arrested, my main focus has been my education and rehabilitating myself. I want to prove I’m better than the worst mistake I’ve made in my life.”

The defendant must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund and participate in 90 hours of community service. 

“There is a big hole in our family. My entire family is lost,” said Byrd’s sister in a victim impactment statement. “We are still getting harassed on social media.”

Defense attorney Douglas Wood said his client has been taking college-level courses at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF.) Wood also said the defendant has nothing to do with the social media harassment that has been occurring. 

According to court documents, Vinson shot at Byrd from across the street. The decedent returned fire almost simultaneously. 

Byrd appeared to make an attempt to retreat, however, was shot immediately and fell to the ground. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his left abdominal region. 

Emergency personnel transported the victim to Howard University Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.