Judge Sentences Non-fatal Shooting Defendant to Five Years

By Mona Walls [former] , Grace Nardei [former] - March 29, 2024
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 29, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to five years of incarceration for his involvement in a traffic incident that resulted in a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. 

Brandon Rawlings, 32, was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 7, 2023, on the 3700 block of 9th Street, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries. 

In addition, 28-year-old Lynette Davis was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, for her involvement in the incident. She was previously sentenced to a suspended sentence of nine months. 

According to court documents, the shooting occurred following an altercation that resulted from a traffic accident between the vehicle occupied by Rawlings and Davis, and the vehicle occupied by the victim of the shooting. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, Rawlings accepted an offer that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

At the hearing, the prosecution shared a video depicting Rawlings chasing after the victim after the crash, and firing multiple gunshots in their direction. 

Rawlings’ defense attorney, Gregg Baron, responded by stating how Rawlings admits his guilt and takes full responsibility and ownership for his actions. 

The defense established a motive for the incident claiming that Rawlings was trying to protect his family, however, Rawlings admitted that he overreacted in the moment during his statement to the court. 

The defense mentioned the progress Rawlings made while incarcerated, such as taking a CPR class and regularly attending anger management classes twice a week. 

Rawlings also started a group in jail where he and other inmates share their stories and reflect on how they could’ve handled certain situations more productively. According to Baron, the jail has even set aside time for Rawlings’s group to meet twice weekly. 

In addition, Rawlings has earned a job cutting hair while incarcerated and his defense attorney stated, “He’s making the most of his situation.”

Rawlings prepared a letter to read before Judge Arthur and the courtroom. In his letter, Rawlings apologized to the victim and expressed penitence over his actions, adding that he accepted the plea deal as a way to take full responsibility for his actions. 

“He could have lost his life, I just welcomed my firstborn, and having them made me realize my irresponsibility,” Rawlings said.

Judge Arthur stated that he hoped Rawling’s statements were heartfelt and believed him to be sincere, but said that Rawling took himself away from what mattered most to him because of what he did, adding that what transpired could have been avoided.

“The video shows you firing shots at a person. It’s only by grace that you are here. I don’t know what led up to that besides what the [prosecution] has represented, but what appears to be a reaction that occurred in less than a minute is going to affect you and your family for much longer,” Judge Arthur said.

Judge Arthur imposed a sentence of five years for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and four years for the possession charge, which will be served concurrently. He also imposed a requirement of three years of supervised release and mandated Rawlings to register as a gun offender. 

No further dates were set.