Judge Sentences Mentally Ill Murder Defendant to 90 Months Under Youth Act

By Ella Lesher [former] - September 8, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sept. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced homicide defendant Kavell Miller to 90 months of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release.

Miller, 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for an incident on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SW on Oct. 8, 2021 that left 33-year-old Lester Mangum dead. 

On Jan. 26, Miller, who has a history of mental illness, accepted a plea deal that reduced his first-degree murder charge to voluntary manslaughter while armed and dismissed three misdemeanor charges.

He was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which effectively seals his case after completing his jail time.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of twelve years, between the minimum seven-and-a-half and maximum fifteen, to balance mitigating factors like the defendant’s young age and his mental issues with concerns for public safety.

They focused on the seriousness of the crime and suggested they could prove murder in the first- degree.

The decedent’s aunt spoke about how the defendant’s actions hurt many people. She noted that Magnum left behind five children and that his murder was “unimaginable” for their family. In closing, she prayed for Miller to get the help that he needs.

Miller himself also addressed the court, expressing remorse and apologizing to the family of the victim. He said he has been “hearing voices for years,” underscoring his struggles with schizophrenia. His attorney, Errin Scialpi, argued Miller’s “very significant mental health challenges” and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors, urging Judge Raffinan to fashion a sentence that takes all aspects of justice into account.

Judge Raffinan said she came to her decision after considering the facts and supplemental letters from family members about the impact of their loss. She also emphasized she wants to ensure Miller continues to receive the mental health treatment and counseling he needs.

Miller is set to undergo therapy along with educational programs while at a Federal Correctional Institution near Butner, NC. In addition, Miller must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Fund before a March 9, 2029 deadline.

Miller must remain a registered a gun offender until two years after his supervisory release period is complete.