Judge Sentences Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant to Eight-and-a-Half Years of Incarceration

By Maria Andrea Morales , Sam Chodorow - March 21, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 21, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz sentenced a defendant to 102 months in prison for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting. 

Ernest Conyeir, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting on Oct. 18, 2023, on the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident left one individual suffering from gunshot wounds. 

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between Conyeir and the victim. The victim was shot in their right forearm and left shin, and walked to a medical center where he received treatment. 

On January 16, Conyeir accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Through the agreement, Conyeir also pleaded guilty to robbery in connection to an unrelated matter. 

During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the court should give the defendant a nine year sentence, and he should pay restitution to help make the victims whole. 

The prosecutor ended by noting that the defendant has a high criminal history score of four, and suggested his sentence should be lengthier due to his record. 

The defense argued that the seven-and-a-half years was enough time since he was taking full responsibility for his actions, further noting that Conyeir also suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that developed from his childhood growing up in a rough neighborhood.

However, Judge Leibovitz indicated his lack of remorse, as she imposed a sentence. 

He will serve 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 36 months for assault with a dangerous weapon, and 66 months for robbery. The sentences for assault with a dangerous weapon and robbery will run consecutive to one another, and the sentence for possession of a firearm will run concurrently.

Additionally, Conyeir will be required to register as a gun offender upon completion of his sentence.

No further dates were set.