Judge Sentences Teen to Nearly 10 Years for Shooting Girlfriend

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A D.C. Superior Court judge sentenced a teenager to nearly 10 years in prison for fatally shooting his 16-year-old girlfriend. According to the defense, the teen was playing with a gun when it “accidentally” went off.

In October, Dekale Bowman pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his role in the death of 16-year-old Taiyania Thompson on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE on Jan. 25, 2018. Per the terms of his plea agreement, Bowman also pleaded guilty to simple assault and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, charges Bowman picked up following Thompson’s death.

Judge Craig Iscoe sentenced Bowman to 9 years and 8 months in prison for the manslaughter charge. Judge Iscoe also sentenced Bowman,19, to one year in prison for the possession charge and six months for assault, which will run concurrently with the manslaughter charge.

While Judge Iscoe acknowledged the defendant’s remorse, he said Bowman’s actions say otherwise. Judge Iscoe noted that following the shooting Bowman fled the scene and failed to call 911. Apparently, Thompson was alive after the shooting but succumbed to her injuries three days later.

Judge Iscoe said that prior to his arrest Bowman was caught selling drugs. In addition, after he was arrested and housed at the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, Bowman broke another juvenile’s jaw. Bowman was then transferred to DC Jail.

However, while in custody Bowman was “accidentally released” and failed to turn himself in when he knew he was supposed to be held without bond, Judge Iscoe said. Furthermore, when Bowman was placed back in jail he threw urine at a prison guard, who later pressed charges.

During the hearing, Thompson’s mother addressed the court and said that she watched her daughter die in the same hospital Thompson’s father died in. Apparently, Thompson’s father died before she was born.

The mother reminisced about cooking food for the homeless with her daughter. She said 2017 was the first year she allowed Thompson to hand the food out and how Thompson was excited to do it again the following year but never got the chance to.

“Bowman is a threat to himself and society,” the mother said. “ He needs to be held as long as possible.”

According to the defense, Bowman and Thompson “loved each other in their own young, teenage way.” 

“It was truly an accident,” Bowman said, apologizing to the family. “ I just want to let everyone know I’m sorry.”

Bowman is also required to serve five years additional years on supervised release.

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