Murder Defendant Claims Remorse Despite Prior Statement

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 24, 2020
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During a sentencing Jan. 24, a murder defendant expressed remorse before receiving his sentencing.

Donnell Mills, 30, pleaded guilty Oct. 22, 2019, to second-degree murder while armed. He was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed and attempt to commit armed robbery for allegedly stabbing Jelani Mohammed, 38, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE on Nov. 8, 2018. 

“I am very sorry for all of it and did not mean for it to go the way it went,” Mills told DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee.

The attempt to commit armed robbery charge was dropped.

Judge Lee sentenced Mills to 21 years in prison and recommended that he receive credit for the time that he had already served. The judge ordered mental health and drug treatment during Mills’ time in prison. Mills is required to serve five years of supervised release.

The prosecution recommended a 22-year sentence in prison.

“I’m living with an ache in my heart that will never heal. A part of me died with him,” the victim’s mother told Judge Lee.

Members of the victim’s family continuously expressed their concerns for the possibility of the murder defendent receiving a lighter sentence.

“He cussed me out for expressing how I felt about my brother’s death,” the victim’s brother said, referring to a prior incident in court. On Oct. 16, the  defendant disrupted the victim’s brother and used vulgar words during an impact statement. 

Mohammed’s family and friends nearly filled the entire left side of the courtroom. 

“He does feel remorse and can’t undo what is done. Whatever sentence he is given, he will be a much older and mature man,” Mills’ defense attorney said. 

Corrine Simon wrote this story.