Judge Sets Sentencing for Murder Conspiracy, Accessory Defendant

By Tory Lysik [former] - July 22, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a defendant charged in connection with a 2008 homicide to be sentenced in October.

In 2015, Joshua Massaquoi was charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the shooting of 21-year-old Michael Francis Taylor on June 22, 2008, on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW. The 33-year-old defendant ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, accessory to second-degree murder and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Massaquoi is currently being held at St. Elizabeths Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution. During the July 22 hearing, defense attorney Matthew Davies said his client is “committed to maintaining a positive direction.”

The defendant was on home confinement waiting to be sentenced until March 2021, when a bench warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken to the hospital, D.C. Witness previously reported. Earlier this week, Judge Milton Lee found him competent to be sentenced.

Judge Hiram Puig-Lugo scheduled a status hearing for Aug. 10 to ensure Massaquoi continues to receive treatment at St. Elizabeths. He scheduled the sentencing hearing for Oct. 28. 

A jury found Mason Binion, 34, guilty of first-degree murder while armed in connection with Taylor’s death in February 2020. He is currently waiting to be sentenced. Victor Carvajal, 34, was also charged with first-degree murder while armed, but his case was later dismissed.