Murder Defendant Sentenced to 25 years After Prosecutor Presents Crime Video 

By Carmen Quinteros - May 4, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

After reviewing video of a killing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo deemed this “cold blooded murder” as a “brazen act” and sentenced the defendant to 25 years of incarceration for second-degree murder while armed. 

Andre Hicks, 40, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Daniel Adams on Nov. 25, 2023, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. 

Hick previously accepted an offer from the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

On May 3, the prosecutor requested Hicks be sentenced to 26 years, stating the evidence of the case is “extremely strong,” as he played a video that showed Hicks pulling out a gun and shooting Adams multiple times in the back as he tried to run away. 

The prosecution also noted Hicks’ extended criminal record going back decades. He has an assault conviction and multiple offenses, including drug trafficking. 

“He is not going to conform to the law,” the prosecutor added.

A statement from the victim’s family, read by the prosecution, categorized the defendant’s actions as a “cowardly act.” 

“[Adams] was ripped from us in senseless violence,” the Adams family stated.   

Steven Kiersh, Hicks’ defense attorney, responded that Hicks acknowledges and understands the pain the family has endured.

Kiersh said 26 years of incarceration was “excessive” and requested a sentence on the lower end of the guidelines.   

Hicks personally apologized to the court, the victim’s family, his family, and specifically mentioned his two children for “letting them down.”

“A cold blooded murder with many people around was a brazen act,” Judge Demeo stated. 

However, she gave Hicks credit for taking responsibility and noted his potential for rehabilitation. 

Judge Demeo ultimately sentenced Hicks to 25 years for second-degree murder while armed, allowing credit for time already served. 

Along with five years of supervised release, Hicks will also be required to register as a gun offender, obtain a substance abuse and mental health assessment, and participate in an anger management program. 

Due to a request from the prosecution, Judge Demeo will recommend Hicks be placed in a correctional facility 250 miles from DC.

No further dates were set.