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By
Mia Kimm
- April 1, 2025
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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A homicide defendant was sentenced to 124 months by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 28 after an emotional statement by the victim’s mother.
On Jan. 22, Dohn Harmon, 26, pleaded guilty under a deal with prosecutors to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kevin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE on July 1, 2020.
According to court documents, Harmon participated in the murder as the driver of a stolen vehicle.
Goggins’ mother gave a victim impact statement to the court emphasizing the kind and protective person Goggins was and explaining how his death has affected her.
“I just wanted him to understand what he did, the damage he’s done, the hearts he’s broke,” Goggins’ mother said. “My life has never been the same since that day.”
The prosecution acknowledged that Harmon has shown remorse, does not have a criminal record, has been compliant with release conditions, and has significant family support. They said that there is a lot that makes the prosecution hopeful that Harmon will not engage in violence once he’s released.
However, the prosecution feared that Harmon may return to the same environment and influences that put him in this situation. Furthermore, Harmon has not completed his education nor does he have steady employment, according to the prosecution.
Finally, the prosecution emphasized that the sentence must be proportionate to the seriousness of the offense and its impact on the community. They argued that the offense couldn’t have taken place without Harmon, as he was the driver, and many more people could have been harmed.
Harmon’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, said that, in many ways, the defense is in agreement with the prosecution.
Allburn requested a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which would seal Harmon’s case if he completed all sentencing requirements successfully.
She highlighted Harmon’s lack of education arguing that he’s just being “passed along,” which has led to major learning gaps. Allburn said he is excited about getting tutoring and other possible opportunities.
Allburn also mentioned Harmon’s good behavior on home confinement and jail, which she argued illustrates his ability to conform to behavioral norms.
Judge Park added that the prosecution’s sentencing request wasn’t a reflexive one but a result of deliberation over the nuances of the case which is reflected in the plea agreement. As a result, he denied the defense’s request for sentencing under the YRA in favor of the prosecution’s recommendation.
Harmon was sentenced to 124 months of incarceration and five years of supervised release. Judge Park also said he would make a recommendation for rehabilitation programs, including mental health and anger management.
No further dates were set.