Man Sentenced for His Role in Transgender Woman’s Murder

By Jakob Rios [former] - April 25, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A defendant was sentenced for his role in the 2016 robbery turned murder of a transgender woman.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee did not mince words during the April 22 sentencing hearing, saying to Shareem Hall that unless he is locked up, “you just reign hell down on the city.”

Hall, 28, was one of four people to face murder charges in connection with the death of 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds, who was shot during the early hours of July 4, 2016, on the 200 block of Division Avenue, NE. She died from her injuries nine days later.

Dodds was a transgender woman, part of a group of people visiting Washington, one of the prosecuting attorneys said during the sentencing. She said Dodds’ aunt could not make it to the hearing but submit a letter for the prosecutor to read. In it, she stated that the actions of the men who participated in her niece’s homicide caused the death of someone special and she hopes they learn there are consequences to their actions and one day can be better.  

Hall pleaded guilty to first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Defense attorney Dorsey Jones said Hall began experiencing issues when his father died in 2013. His client does not plan to stay in the city after he finishes his prison sentence.

Hall addressed the court, saying to Judge Lee that he wants to apologize to the victim’s family and anyone who has been hurt by his actions.  He hoped Judge Lee will allow him the chance to be a good role model for his children.  

“I ask you for the opportunity to be great,” Hall said. 

Judge Lee then gave his opinion, saying the defendant violated his probation for a 2013 burglary charge for which he was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act. His conviction could have been sealed from public view had he completed the requirements imposed on him.

Judge Lee presided over the burglary case. He said Hall “wasted the chance that he was given” and will not get another pass from him.

Hall was sentenced to seven years for first-degree murder while armed, four years for conspiracy to commit a crime of violence and four years for unlawful possession of a firearm. The sentences will run concurrent and he will receive credit for the more than five-and-a-half years he has served at DC Jail.

The sentence from the 2013 burglary case that Hall now has to serve will run consecutive to the sentences in his newer case.  He will have access to drug treatment, mental health treatment and a halfway house after his sentence is complete.

Judge Lee ended the sentencing hearing by wishing the defendant luck.

Hall is the third person to be sentenced for his role in Dodds’ death. Monte Johnson and Jalonte Little were sentenced to eight years for voluntary manslaughter in December 2021.

The case against Cyheme Hall, who is indicted on 16 counts including felony murder while armed in connection with Dodds’ death, remains open.