Judge Sentences, ‘Monster Who Has No Compassion,’ to 25 Years for Two Murders

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a double-homicide defendant to 25 years of imprisonment on Feb. 28.

On Dec. 19, 2024, James Mayfield, 25, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Jermaine Bowens on Dec. 26, 2017 at the 2200 block of Douglas Street, NE.

Mayfield also pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Elijah Henry on Dec. 27, 2017 on the 1800 block of Bryant Street, NE.

Through the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 23-to-25 years of incarceration.

Mayfield was recently sentenced to 50 years of incarceration for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor on Aug. 12, 2017 at the intersection of Saratoga and Montana Avenues, NE. Mayfield continues to assert his innocence in the case, and is currently appealing that matter.

Veronice Holt, Mayfield’s attorney, asked Judge O’Keefe to not hold his “refusal to participate in the pre-sentence report writing” against him, arguing he was wheelchair bound at the time of the report, and Mayfied was afraid of getting beaten waiting to be transferred from the DC Jail.

“It has been almost a decade since my brother was violently and suddenly taken away from me,” Bowens’ sister told Judge O’Keefe, deeming Mayfield a “monster who has no compassion.”

“I can’t go to the stores and get another Jermaine Bowens. That’s it, he’s gone,” Bowens’ sister cried, asking Judge O’Keefe to impose the maximum sentence for the crime.

Bowens’ sister cried that Mayfield was worried about his safety at the jail, saying “well so was my brother… all his victims were unable to defend themselves.”

“He [Mayfield] exemplified all the stereotypes,” that society has imposed on Black men, said Bowens’ sister, adding “It’s been too many times the justice system has failed to hold this man accountable.”

A family friend of Bowens also told Judge O’Keefe that his loss has “permanently changed my life.” She recalled she got the phone call to rush to the hospital after he was shot, and said “we didn’t make it in time.”

“Whatever is in your power, I’d ask for the strictest sentence for the defendant,” she cried.

As for Bowens’ other sister, who took custody of his two young children, those close to Bowens said “she’s devastated… she has lost all confidence in the justice system.”

Prosecutors requested Judge O’Keefe sentence Mayfield to 25 years, stating his plea deal was “about accountability… the defendant has accepted responsibility.”

“Hold the defendant, with finality, accountable for his actions,” the prosecution said, stating they chose to offer a deal because the evidence in the case was circumstantial.

According to the prosecution, Bowens was walking down the street when he was approached by Mayfield, robbed, and shot. “This was a murder that should have never happened,” the prosecutor insisted.

As for Henry, prosecutors claimed that Mayfield, who was living at Henry’s house at the time of the incident due to homelessness, shot and killed Henry in an argument over a jacket.

They stated Mayfield had a “concerning pattern of armed violence,” stating he lacks control and is indifferent. “He deserves to be held accountable,” they insisted.

“He’s accountable for it,” said Holt, stating “he has a lot of problems,” including drug addictions and mental health issues.

Holt stated Mayfield had a rough upbringing, and has had a lot of time to think about the consequences of his actions. “He wants you to know he’s really sorry for your loss,” Holt told Bowens’ family.

“I just wanted to look you in the eyes and say I’m truly sorry,” Mayfield told Bowens’ family, stating he’s working on bettering himself.

“This isn’t an easy call for me, because I feel the same thing you’re feeling… it’s unsatisfying,” Judge O’Keefe said about the plea deal, adding “it’s all so senseless.”

“Even though I have my reservations, I’ll accept the deal,” Judge O’Keefe told the parties, sentencing Mayfield to 25 years for the second-degree murder charge and 18 years for the manslaughter. The sentences will run concurrently, and he’ll be required to serve five years of supervised release.

Mayfield will also be required to register as a gun offender, seek substance abuse and mental health evaluations and treatments, as well as attend grief counseling and anger management classes.

Holt requested they set a new date to allow Mayfield to stay at the DC Jail to finish his GED program. “I’m this close at the door. I told you I’m trying to do better to come out and be a better person,” Mayfield pleaded with Judge O’Keefe.

“Don’t get in any trouble when you’re in [Bureau of Prisons] BOP,” Judge O’Keefe told Mayfield, setting a probationary hearing for May 20, to allow Mayfield to graduate May 15.