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By
Tory Lysik [former]
- August 26, 2021
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Probation
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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The Chief Judge of the DC Superior Court sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for murder.
Jerrell Powell was indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in the shooting of 30-year-old Antoine McCullough on July 2, 2016, on the 3500 block of 18th Street, SE. The 25-year-old defendant ultimately pleaded down to second-degree murder while armed.
“I hope you have had time to seek inside yourself,” the victim’s father said during the Aug. 26 hearing. “This has been the worst five years of my life.”
McCullough’s parents, who work in youth ministry, said that, although the last five years have been painful, they are thankful Powell has the opportunity to change and has seen a change in his demeanor.
“I believe that God is going to change your life,” McCullough’s mother said.
The victims’ parents forgave Powell for his actions, which Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring called “extremely generous.”
“I ask you to not disappoint them and turn your life around,” Chief Judge Josey-Herring told him.
The chief judge said that events like these lead to mass incarceration and Powell’s actions help to “deteriorate his community.”
“Black lives absolutely matter and you’re part of the problem,” she said.
Powell spoke during the sentencing, thanking the family for forgiving him.
“This lifestyle only gets you to two places – dead or locked up,” he said.
Powell’s 15-year prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release. He was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which will allow his case to be effectively sealed once he completes his requirements.
Powell is currently being held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, where he has been receiving treatment since 2017.
Jeremiah Jordan, Powell’s former co-defendant, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with McCullough’s death. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy aggravated assault knowingly while armed and was sentenced to time served plus two years of supervised probation in January.