Judge Sets Murder Defendant’s Sentencing Date

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 12, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a status hearing on Feb. 12, a judge set a sentencing hearing and discussed a request for release. 

Joshua Ellis Massaquoi, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, carrying a pistol during a crime of violence and accessory to second-degree murder for his involvement in the shooting of Michael Francis Taylor, 21, on June 22, 2008, on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW. 

Massaquoi is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30.

He was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed with a firearm, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

D.C. Witness previously reported that Massaquoi accepted a plea agreement of 7-14 years in prison with a probationary period afterwards. 

Massaquoi’s defense attorney, Matthew Davies, also requested his release from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s mental institution.

Counsel and DC Superior Court Judge Hiram E Puig-Lugo discussed the request at the bench. Davies then told the judge that he would submit all written materials and a full report for the release request before the sentencing hearing. 

The prosecutor agreed to set a sentencing hearing, but said he did not want to change his opinion on release. 

Massaquoi was Mason Binion, 32, and Victor Carvajal‘s, 32, co-defendant. Binion and Carvajal were charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Binion was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed with a firearm by a jury on Feb. 12. Carvajal’s charges were dropped in January of 2020.   

This article was written by Lea Gianasso and Wyatt Mullins.