Murder Defendant’s Daughter Asks Judge for Lenient Sentence

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 29, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a sentencing Aug. 29, a murder defendant’s daughter requested a shorter sentence so her father could come home sooner.

Morris Kenya Harley pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for killing 35 year-old Daniel Olaya on the 1900 block of 4th Street, NW on February 6, 2019 in a vehicular homicide.

During the sentencing, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna sentenced Harley to 15 years in prison with 5 years of supervised release.

While crying, Harley’s 17-year-old daughter asked Judge McKenna for a more lenient sentence for Harley because she said, “he is the glue for our family, and we need him home sooner so our family can be one.”

The victim’s girlfriend, Angel Minor, told Judge McKenna that her son wanted Olaya to one day become his dad. “Danny had such a pure heart,” she said. “I’ve lost my best friend, companion and my confident. One day I will forgive you Mr. Harley, but it won’t be today and it will be for my own sake.”

The prosecution said that Olaya’s death was caused by a, “senseless act of petty road rage.”

Harley told the judge that he participated in a jail program that allowed inmates to get to know their victims better. He said he read Olaya’s obituary and could tell he was a good person.

“I will make this up to the Olaya family somehow,” Harley said. “I am just asking for the family’s forgiveness one time.”

Judge McKenna said she wished there was a sentence she could impose that would bring Olaya back.

She also acknowledged the fact that Harley took responsibility early and said she believed Harley was looking to make amends for his action.

According to court documents, on the night of February 6, Olaya and Harley got into a verbal altercation while driving. Harley then struck Olaya’s car with his. Olaya was transported to a local hospital where he later died.