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By
Elizabeth Price
- February 24, 2025
Carjacking
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Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a shooting defendant to 32 months in jail after she accepted a plea on Feb. 20.
Octavia Howard, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of Yuma Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries in the incident.
Howard accepted a deal on Dec. 19, 2024, pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon while dismissing her other charge.
During the sentencing hearing, Howard’s father took the stand in his daughter’s defense. He discussed his own substance abuse problem, and how it affected Octavia Howard’s childhood. Howard’s father told Judge Salerno a judge had given him a second chance, and now he is 25 years sober.
Howard’s father stated “I know she wouldn’t have did that under normal circumstances,” bringing up Howard’s intoxication during the crime.
Howard’s attorney, Adam Harris, highlighted Howard’s involvement in the community and drug programs she completed while incarcerated.
However, Judge Salerno stated that Howard’s actions amount to “incredibly serious conduct.” Howard was sentenced to 60 months, with all but 32 months suspended and required to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.
Howard will be on probation for two years once released, and will be required to register as a gun offender in DC and participate in a drug treatment program.
No further dates were set.