Murder Defendant Sentenced to 30 Years for ‘Horrific’ Crime

By Marissa Stambaugh - September 9, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant to 30 years of incarceration with five years of supervised release during a Sept. 6 hearing.

Marcus Walker, 24, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children and possession of a large capacity ammunition. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Erik King. The incident occurred on Oct. 11, 2022 on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE.  

According to court documents, King was allegedly Walker’s ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend. 

The prosecution read a victim impact statement written by King’s sister, in which she said,  “There is no amount of money or justice that can be given.” 

Meanwhile, the prosecution stated Walker had not accepted responsibility for the crime and he continued to claim that his ex-girlfriend had set him up. 

Prosecution requested that Walker be sentenced to the maximum sentence of 42 years, given the impact on the victims.

Jesse Winograd, Walker’s defense attorney, disputed the prosecution’s request, arguing that Walker’s lack of criminal history should grant him a smaller sentence.  He added the nature of the offense and Walker’s personal history and negative childhood should play a part in sentencing. Winograd argued he should have a shorter sentence to guarantee his reintegration to society.

Walker told Judge Okun that his life has changed since he’s been incarcerated, stating that the “will to be better changes you.”

Judge Okun deemed the murder a “truly awful horrific crime,” mentioning that he must consider just punishment, deterrence, treatment and voluntary sentencing guidelines as part of the sentence. 

Walker was ultimately sentenced to 30 years with five years of supervised release. 

Once released, Walker will be required to participate in anger management, substance abuse and mental health evaluations and treatment, and must abide by a stay away and no contact order from his ex-girlfriend and her loved ones. 

No further dates were set.