Murder Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years for ‘War Zone’ Shooting

By Lindsay Mutzman [former] - July 22, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a homicide defendant to 20 years’ incarceration on July 19 for gunning down a bike rider.

Brandon Smith, 38, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting of 44-year old Charles Stanton on July 4, 2023. The incident occurred on the unit block of Patterson Street, NE.

According to court documents, Smith shot Stanton from his car while Stanton was riding his bike. Detectives later found the murder weapon inside a toilet tank, and the shirt Smith was wearing at the time of the shooting in his residence.

On Feb. 9, Smith accepted a deal to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment. Parties agreed to a sentencing range of 18-to-22 years’ incarceration. 

At the sentencing, prosecutors asked Judge Demeo for the maximum of 22 years in prison saying Stanton “was gunned down like a war zone.” They also requested Smith get the maximum supervised release of five years. 

According to the prosecution, Stanton’s family is looking for justice and they insist punishment is the only way.

Madalyn Harvey, Smith’s defense attorney, requested the minimum sentence of 18 years, stating he took responsibility for the crime early on, and “he’s a good person.” 

Harvey said during the incident Smith was under the influence of drugs and wasn’t aware of the awful crimes he was committing. She argued he’s “not some cold calculated person.” 

Smith’s mother spoke before the court, apologizing on her son’s behalf to the victim’s family. She acknowledged her son needs help. 

Judge Demeo sentenced Smith to 20 years with five years supervised release. She also ordered Smith to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund. 

Smith must also participate in substance abuse and mental health treatment, as well as grief counseling. 

There are no further dates set.