Murder Defendant’s Sentencing Rescheduled Again

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 24, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Once again, the sentencing hearing for a murder defendant was postponed due to a family emergency affecting defense counsel in a May 24 proceeding.

David Botchway, 21, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed with a firearm for shooting 19-year-old Andre Baker on Aug. 5, 2023, on the 1200 block of U Street, NW. 

There have been six rescheduled dates/ times for Botchway’s sentencing hearing since its initial scheduling on March 8.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Botchway killed Baker by shooting him in the head and torso. According to the prosecution, Baker and two friends, one with whom he was arguing, were at a bus stop on U Street when Botchway approached them and shot Baker. 

Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) saw the suspect run away from the area of the incident, and engaged in a foot chase. The suspect was arrested shortly after, and a .40 caliber Glock 22 handgun was recovered in his possession. 

According to the prosecutors, the shooting was unprovoked, and Botchway did so with malice and conscious disregard for Baker’s life. 

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt rescheduled Botchway’s sentencing for May 31 at 2pm.