Murder Victim’s Father Mourns Son’s Loss in Court

By Ying He [former] - June 9, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On June 9, a homicide victim’s father appeared remotely in a court proceeding saying, “I don’t know how to deal with this. I can no longer see, talk to and touch my son. And there is no penalty for what [the defendant allegedly] has done.”

Desmond Gaskin, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr., on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE, on July 19, 2022. 

Gaskin was released on Feb. 2, 2023, and is currently in home confinement under supervision. 

Jason Tulley, Gaskin’s attorney, requested modifying those conditions before trial. Specifically, Tulley asked to alter Gaskin’s curfew so he could stay out until midnight. 

The prosecutor was opposed noting most crimes occur at night and pointing out that the seriousness of Gaskin’s alleged actions should not be ignored.

The victim’s father underscored the point saying he was concerned about the defendant’s potential dangerousness. 

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan modified the curfew time to 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. under the supervision program. 

The next hearing is scheduled for July 17 to follow up on the government’s indictment filing process.