DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a shooting defendant to seven years on Sept. 11.
On Jan. 29, Marcus Martin, 29, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE on Jan. 11, 2024. One individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
Parties requested Judge Brandt sentence Martin to 84 months for aggravated assault, and 72 months for possessing the gun, to run concurrently.
The prosecution presented a video of the incident, which depicted Martin walking out of a building as the victim pulled into the parking lot. As the victim exited his vehicle to go into the building ostensibly to purchase marijuana, Martin shot him multiple times “almost from point-blank range,” before running away, shooting a few more times, and leaving the scene.
“This was a very dangerous offense, it was a serious offense,” the prosecutor told Judge Brandt, stating the victim suffered a partially amputated finger, a broken arm, arterial damage on his leg, and still has bullet fragments lodged in his body.
“The victim almost passed away that day,” the prosecutor continued, adding that it is particularly concerning that Martin doesn’t come into this sentencing “with a clean slate.” He was previously convicted of voluntary manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon. “He has previously taken a life,” the prosecutor stated.
Quo Judkins, Martin’s attorney, agreed with the prosecutor’s sentencing request, stating despite it taking Martin a while to realize he “used a disproportionate amount of force,” he has taken responsibility.
Judkins explained Martin has been a victim of multiple attacks at the jail, which further delayed the case, and despite being in solitary confinement for the better part of a year, he achieved success in programs, including cell-phone repair and culinary school.
“He has learned from this, and is looking to better himself,” Judkins stated, alerting Judge Brandt of a cancer diagnosis Martin recently received.
“I’m sorry about that, and I hope your recovery is indeed a recovery,” Judge Brandt told Martin.
Martin told Judge Brandt he is undergoing treatment, and continuing to push himself to be a better person. “I’m trying to make it home,” he said, adding “I’m not the same kid I was years ago.”
“I won’t say I was the model citizen, yet I was striving for it,” he said, however, the environment he lived in was dangerous, and he felt the need to possess a firearm for protection.
Martin mentioned his 11-year-old son, stating “he was only one year old when I left his life… I hindered myself from getting to know my son.”
“I’m a young Black man in a small city that is full of violence,” Martin continued, stating the people surrounding him don’t always have his best interests at heart.
“I’m a different person, I just want to go home to my child,” Martin told Judge Brandt.
“I’m really sorry about your medical diagnosis, because that is one word that frightens everybody and it becomes the great equalizer,” Judge Brandt said to Martin, adding “I see the person [in all defendants]. I know that since you have been locked up, you have done a lot of programming and a lot of self-improvement and wellness, because you do, you want to get back to your family. You want to get back to the community.”
“You made a mistake, and by your own words in that eloquent letter, you have taken responsibility. That is all any of us could ask for. It is what you do moving forward that matters,” Judge Brandt continued.
“Never look back, because that’s bad luck,” Martin countered.
“I think, Mr. Martin, you are on your way to rehabilitation – you have already started that road to rehabilitation,” Judge Brandt asserted. “I could’ve gone higher than I’m about to go, but I don’t believe that would serve a purpose here.”
She imposed a seven year sentence for the aggravated assault while armed, which will run concurrent to a six year sentence for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence – both have a five year mandatory minimum.
Martin is also required to serve a five year supervised release period, register as a gun offender, and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.
“Good luck to you, you’re gonna do just fine,” Judge Brandt told Martin.
No further dates were set.
