Murder Defendant’s Sentencing Delayed Because Attorney Unprepared

By Adriana Marroquin - August 25, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Aug. 25, a defense attorney for a murder defendant requested the sentencing date be moved because he wasn’t prepared for the proceeding.

Shaka Haltiwanger, 24, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device while armed, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Anthony Kelly on Sept. 10, 2021, on the 1400 block of 29th Street, SE. 

On March 22, a jury convicted Haltiwanger of all charges.

Howard McEachern, Haltiwanger’s defense attorney, alerted the court that, due to personal issues, he was unable to fully prepare for the sentencing. 

Prosecutors alerted the court that several of Kelly’s family members flew in from out of the jurisdiction for the proceeding, and opposed the request for a continuance, stating that the sentencing date had been set since Haltiwanger was convicted of the crimes.

Despite the prosecutor’s opposition, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted the defense request, arguing that the law states a defendant has the right to counsel able to advise them to their fullest extent, and unfortunately the defense counsel could not do that.

Prosecutors read a letter submitted by one of Kelly’s aunts. In her letter, she recalled bringing Kelly home from the hospital and hearing Kelly’s grandmother nickname him “PJ” for “prized jewel”.

She reminisced about Kelly’s time in the Air Force and his pride in being a “girl dad” to four girls between the ages of 11 and four. 

“This killer took my soldier,” her letter said.

“You gave me another layer to him,” said Judge Brandt, stating that family impact statements typically allow the judge to see the victims in a new light.

Prosecutors also showed images shared by Kelly’s widow of his four girls and Kelly. Most of the images were recovered from Kelly’s phone after his passing.The images showed the girls participating in activities like dance and art. 

“As a father myself, this is how you get to know how a dad is,” argued the prosecutor. “By seeing what they take pictures of.” 

“Kelly family, I’m sorry this could not go forward today,” said Judge Brandt before dismissing the parties. 

A continued sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 19.