Judge Sentences Manslaughter Defendant to More Than 8 Years in Prison

By Larissa Atkins [former] - October 25, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a homicide defendant to more than eight years in prison.

Last July, 29-year-old Steven Arrington-Rodgers pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting 25-year-old Martez Jackson on Nov. 9, 2020, on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE.

During the Oct. 22 hearing, Judge Milton Lee sentenced the defendant to 100 months.

One of the several members of the victim’s family who attended the sentencing said Arrington-Rodgers destroyed her family and she sometimes wishes death upon him. Jackson’s best friend also showed the court photos of her and Jackson together.

With Judge Lee’s permission, the prosecution showed surveillance footage of the shooting.

During a preliminary hearing back in April, the prosecution said surveillance footage shows Jackson robbing Arrington-Rodgers at gunpoint and fleeing the scene in Arrington-Rodgers’ car, D.C. Witness previously reported. They said Arrington-Rodgers shot Jackson as Jackson drove away. 

Arrington-Rodger’s mother made a statement apologizing to Jackson’s family for her son’s actions. She said her son always longed for his absent father, but he had a good male support system. She said her son was always gifted, but energetic with impulsive behavior.

His mother said her son has a bright future ahead of him because he has an “awesome mind.” She asked Judge Lee for leniency, because she is sure her son’s actions were not intended.

Defense attorney Douglas Wood said this is an unusual case. He said Jackson and Arrington-Rodgers did not know each other and that his client had no intention of killing Jackson. Wood said they are sure Jackson intended to cause harm because he had a loaded gun with him.

The prosecution pointed out that the defendant is not allowed to carry a firearm because of his past criminal offenses. They alleged that he had an illegal gun at the time of the incident due to his drug dealing, and that he shot the victim to “protect his product.”

The prosecution requested a 104-month sentence, arguing that Arrington-Rodger’s past criminal history makes him a danger to the community.

Arrington-Rodger made a statement to the courtroom. He apologized to the victim’s mother, and said he has cried over his actions. He said it was never his intention to kill Jackson. Arrington-Rodger said the victim’s family has “gained an angel.”

The defendant said he takes full responsibility for his actions, but called the prosecution disrespectful for making him “fight for [his] life and fight for [his] freedom”. Arrington-Rodger said he feels as if he is not allowed to defend himself because he has prior felonies. He also said he knew the victim intended to kill him because the victim had a loaded gun with him.

Arrington-Rodger’s prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.