A Victim Says Shooter is not ‘a Monster,’ at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a shooting defendant to two-and-a-half years in prison on March 27 for shooting 26 times at his extended family members in a car.

Amonte Moody, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for firing into a vehicle on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE on April 22, 2024. Despite the car containing four individuals, no one sustained injuries.

In a victim impact statement, one victim said the situation was very sad, but Moody has “already endured enough.”

She told the court she hates how Moody has been painted as “a monster,” especially given how he was assaulted before the shooting and shot at the car in anger.

As a mother herself, the victim explained, she doesn’t want Moody to have his life taken away. She asked Judge Edelman to not just put him behind bars, but to provide services that could actually help him such as mental health counseling or services that would allow him to gain an education.

The victim emphasized that she feels Moody has already been held accountable in the two years he’s been incarcerated.

The prosecutor asked Judge Edelman to impose a sentence at the top of the sentencing guidelines. He acknowledged that Moody is young, but highlighted the seriousness of the crime. The prosecutor argued the only reason Moody didn’t hit anyone in the car was because bullet trajectories curve and he isn’t a sniper.

According to the prosecutor, Moody used a semi-automatic gun, meaning he had to pull the trigger 26 different times when shooting at the car.

The prosecutor claimed, after the police were called, Moody changed his hairstyle and clothes, indicating he made a conscious choice and knew what he did was wrong afterwards.

The prosecutor argued due to the serious nature of the crime, Moody shouldn’t be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility.

Moody’s attorney, Kavya Naini, insisted Moody didn’t injure anyone because his intention wasn’t to harm. According to Naini, since Moody’s arrest, he has taken every opportunity he could to better himself and help the community. Everyday, she said, he independently volunteers to do things like counseling, classes, schooling, or debate, showing how support and guidance can go a long way.

“We are confident he will succeed in the community,” Naini said.

Anaya Thompson from the Public Defender Service (PDS) Office of Rehabilitation and Development told the judge that with the right support in place, Moody would continue to move forward. Thompson stressed the importance of community based interventions over the prison, arguing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is not designed to provide individualized care.

Sending Moody to the BOP would cause “irreparable harm,” Molly Bunke, Moody’s other attorney, said. “There’s only so much growth you can do in a cage.”

Bunke argued Moody should be sentenced under the YRA to give him further opportunity for rehabilitation after his sentence.

“I know I made a mistake, but I’ve learned from it,” Moody told Judge Edelman. He urged the judge to “look at [him] as a whole person, not just the worst decision [he’s] ever made.”

Judge Edelman told Moody there is no minimizing what he did. The shooting was a “violent, terrifying, reckless act,” he said.

However, he agreed with the defense’s assertion that this shooting was out of character for Moody. Judge Edelman said that while this was a “spontaneous and impulsive act of extremely poor judgment,” Moody has had no interactions with the criminal justice system prior to this incident.

That as well as his conduct after his arrest, and his existing support system from friends and family, Judge Edelman ruled to sentence Moody under the YRA.

In a legal twist, the victim is advocating for Moody’s release, the crime was serious but resulted in no physical harm, and the defendant has no prior involvement with the criminal justice system.

The judge stated two years in prison was substantial punishment for Moody and he’s concerned that a lengthy period of incarceration would jeopardize any progress Moody has made.

Judge Edelman sentenced Moody to 18 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and 12 months in prison for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, followed by three years of supervised release and 18 months of probation.

The judge sentenced Moody to 72 months in prison, suspending all but 30 months, for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentence will be followed by 18 months of probation.

The sentences for assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon will be consecutive while the sentence for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence will be concurrent.

Judge Edelman specified Moody’s probation wouldn’t be the “regular kind of probation.” Rather, it would be a check in with Judge Edelman every few months to help keep Moody accountable.

“I’m giving you this sentence because it’s the right thing to do for you, and more importantly it’s the right thing to do for the community,” the judge said.

Judge Edelman delayed Moody’s formal sentencing until May 1 to allow him time to participate in a debate at the DC Jail. Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 1 for Judge Edelman to issue the sentence.

‘You Had Five Years to Get More Information,’ Stabbing Defendant Says To Judge During Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld stated she needed more information before deciding on sentencing for a stabbing defendant on March 30.

Nahum Posner, 56, was convicted on Jan. 16, 2026 of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE on Oct. 22, 2020.

According to court documents, the victim was standing at the trunk of her car on the side of her residence when Posner approached her and stabbed her. The victim screamed, alerting her son, who came out of the house and hit Posner’s arm with a hammer, knocking him off the victim. Posner then fled the scene.

“There’s a level of comfort that was taken from us,” the victim’s son stated during the hearing.

He explained that his mother hasn’t been the same since the incident and they had to move from their home of over a decade.

The prosecution stated voluntary sentencing guidelines for the offense were 18-to-60 months of incarceration. However, they argued that Judge Hertzfeld should sentence Posner to eight years, above his guidelines, due to aggravating circumstances. They explained the attack was unprovoked and that Posner has had “continuous homicidal ideations,” presenting a serious safety concern to the community.

Posner’s attorney, Albert Amissah, requested that Judge Hertzfeld release Posner on probation and require that he be compliant with his treatment plan. Amissah suggested a suspended sentence, which would potentially keep the time in place as Posner serves probation. He argued that Posner hadn’t had a criminal charge prior to the stabbing and that Posner had suffered a mental brake.

Amissah explained that Posner would receive help from a case manager and an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team if released on probation. They would make daily visits and make sure Posner takes his medication and attends programs.

“I’m not a violent person,” Posner told Judge Hertzfeld.

Judge Hertzfeld stated that she didn’t have enough information to make a decision on Posner’s sentence during the hearing.

“You had five years to get more information,” Posner yelled at Judge Herzfeld before being removed from the courtroom.

Judge Hertzfeld said she would not make a decision until she received more information on Posner’s mental health and his release plan from the defense. She also stated she needed the prosecution to flag any aggravated circumstances and send them to her.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 5 for sentencing.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to a Speedy Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno set a delayed trial date for a stabbing defendant after he waived his right to a speedy trial on March 31.

Antonio Lancaster, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1100 block of 6th Street, SW on March 9.

According to court documents, Lancaster was looking at pictures in the victim’s apartment when the victim said he became agitated. Lancaster reportedly tried to attack the victim, grabbing a knife. The victim tried to fight back, throwing things at him before Lancaster allegedly stabbed her three times. The victim sustained a wound to her shoulder and two to her side before managing to escape.

Lancaster’s attorney, Joseph McCoy, requested a trial date be set during the hearing.

If a defendant is detained, DC law requires their trial to begin 100 days after their arrest. Lancaster was arrested on March 10 and the prosecution noted that the 100-day clock put the trial date on June 18.

McCoy explained that two of his trials would interfere with that trial date. As a result, McCoy waived his client’s right to a speedy trial, setting the date for July 15.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2.

Judge Denies Defense Motion To Dismiss Despite Reluctant Witness

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a defense motion to dismiss a shooting case due to prosecutors’ lack of readiness in a trial on March 31.

Marquis Allen, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE on Aug. 19, 2025.

Allen allegedly fired one shot at his sister but no injuries were reported.

During the hearing, the parties discussed a non-responsive witness, whom the prosecution assured Judge McLean would show up for the trial.

The prosecution said they issued the witness a subpoena. However, their attempts to contact the person were unsuccessful. Still, they are prepared to move forward with the case at the trial readiness hearing on March 19.

The prosecutors shared photos at the hearing of texts between an investigator and the witness with Allen’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar. The prosecutors claimed that the witness texted them, “tell me when and I’ll be there,” regarding their appearance in court.

However, Sukumar stated that he could not find that language, and instead found a text from them stating they didn’t want anything to do with the trial from early December 2025.

Judge McLean asked prosecutors if they were expecting the witness to show up for the trial despite lack of communication, and if they were relying on the subpoena when they said they were ready to move forward with the trial. The prosecutors did not immediately respond.

The prosecutors told Judge McLean they attempted to contact the witness through two different phone numbers. They stated they called, texted and left messages with no response.

One of the prosecutors told the judge it’s “not uncommon” for witnesses to shun prosecutors but still show up to court.

“This was not raised to me until this morning,” said Judge McLean, admonishing the prosecutors for their unpreparedness. Judge McLean stated that this was an “issue with [prosecutors’] diligence.”

Sukumar requested that the case be dismissed because the prosecutors weren’t ready to proceed. Judge McLean denied the motion, but Sukumar said he would reserve his arguments and do more research regarding the dismissal motion.

Judge McLean delayed the start of trial to the next day, stating she expected both parties to be fully prepared to move forward, and said the prosecutors could argue issuing a warrant for the witness to appear in court. The judge said if prosecutors speak to the witness, they could still appear on their own accord, but if not she would decide if a warrant should be issued.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 1.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Awaits Sentencing

A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 30.

Bryant Russell, 48, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE on June 6, 2024. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his arm.

During the hearing, Russell’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, accepted a plea deal on his client’s behalf.

The deal required Russell to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all remaining charges from the indictment and will recommend that the sentences for each charge run concurrently.

According to the sentencing guidelines, assault with intent to kill carries a potential maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment. Unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment as well as a mandatory minimum of one year incarceration.

Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Russell possessed a firearm despite his prior conviction and shot the victim while he was sitting on his porch after being told to leave.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 3 for sentencing.

‘There’s A Special Place in Hell for You,’ Homicide Victim’s Father Says at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park imposed a sentence of 216 months for a homicide following statements from the defendant and victim’s families on March 27. An additional charge tacked on an five more years.

On Jan. 14, Quateze Moore, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Martinez Robinson, 25, on Aug. 23, 2024 on the 1300 block of Girard Street, NW.

Moore’s family and friends initially did not plan to attend the hearing because Moore believed a motion to continue the hearing, filed by the defense, guaranteed it would be rescheduled. So he asked them not to come. After Judge Park denied the motion, Moore’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, contacted Moore’s family and friends and they were able to attend.

The first two impact statements were given by Robinson’s parents.

“[Robinson’s] laughter, his kindness, his future, all of it was taken from us,” Robinson’s mother said, explaining that her son’s death left a “space that cannot be refilled.”

“He deserved to live his life, he deserved to grow old,” Robinson’s mother said. She ended her statement by asking Moore why he committed the offense.

Robinson’s father told Moore, “I can see in your face that you don’t have any remorse for what happened.”

In response to Judge Park’s request for Robinson’s father to direct his statement to the court rather than to Moore, he said, “That’s hard to do, your honor.”

He concluded his statement by telling Moore, “There’s a special place in hell for you, that’s all I have to say.”

Then the prosecution requested 25 years in prison, the maximum in the sentencing guidelines, due to the “alarming” nature of the offense as well as Moore’s criminal history, which included assault with intent to kill and multiple charges related to firearm possession.

Meanwhile, Moore’s friend and cousin also gave statements attesting to Moore’s good personality and the love he has for his family, friends, and community. They asked the court to consider Moore’s positive qualities before imposing a sentence. His cousin’s statement was a written letter read by Moore’s other defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, which said that Moore was “not defined by a single moment.”

The defense requested that Judge Park impose a sentence that not only reflected the sentencing guidelines, which included a mandatory minimum of four to five years, but also considered Moore’s contribution to society and the struggles he faced in his childhood.

Judge Park imposed a sentence of 18 years for voluntary manslaughter while armed, consecutive with five years for an unrelated drug possession matter.

Moore will also be required to register as a gun offender when released, pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF) and undergo mental health treatment, grief counseling, as well as any programs deemed necessary by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2 for a post-sentencing review.

Arrested Shooting Defendant’s Whereabouts a Mystery

A defense attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Charmetra Jackson Parker on March 30 that a shooting defendant’s current whereabouts were unknown despite being detained.

Paris Wilkerson, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting at the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on Dec. 1, 2025. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a report of gunshots. When interviewed by officers, the victim said Wilkerson reportedly placed a gun to her head and threatened to shoot her if she did not give him money she apparently owed him.

Wilkerson denied his involvement. He said he had sold drugs to the victim in the past but claimed he had not interacted with her in about six months due to conditions of his probation in another case.

In court, Wilkerson’s attorney, Adam Harris, alerted Judge Parker he was unaware of Wilkerson’s whereabouts despite his being detained March 27 after his arrest. Harris told the court it seemed Wilkerson was in custody, however, Wilkerson was not at the DC Jail when he visited.

The prosecution requested time to figure out the issue and find Wilkerson.

According to court records, a representative from MPD alerted Judge Parker that Wilkerson is currently held in a hospital.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 2.

Wounded Shooting Defendant Again No- Show at Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean issued a bench warrant on March 30 for a defendant who failed to appear in court to face charges for a shooting in which he was injured.

Deion Hinnant, 31, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful discarding of firearms or ammunition, possession of unregistered firearm, unlawful possession ammunition, unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia for his alleged involvement in a shooting at the 2100 block of Bladensburg Road, NE on April 1, 2024.

According to court documents, Hinnant sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the incident.

Hinnant was released on personal recognisance pending trial on June, 27, 2024.

Hinnant’s attorney, Theodore Shaw, said he had regular contact with Hinnant up until the recent snow storms in January. Hinnant failed to appear at the hearing in preparation for his trial set for April 8.

Additionally, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) informed the court Hinnant has been a loss of contact since February.

According to the prosecution, a bench warrant was issued on Feb. 3 for his failure to appear in a separate case. They stated this bench warrant is still active.

The prosecution requested Judge McLean order a bench warrant for Hinnant in this case as well. Judge McLean granted this request and vacated the April trial.

There are no further hearings scheduled at this time, parties will reconvene when US Marshals execute the bench warrant.

‘I Am Greater Than My Worst Mistake,’ Fratricide Defendant Says At Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a homicide defendant to nine years in prison on March 27 for the fatal shooting of his brother.

Lamar Odoms, 25, pleaded guilty on Nov. 21, 2025 to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in killing 25-year-old Mark Odoms on Dec. 5, 2024 on the 2700 block of Wade Road, SE. Mark sustained one fatal gunshot wound to his abdomen.

According to court documents, Mark and Lamar were in an altercation before Lamar shot Mark and fled the scene.

“Mark and Lamar were best friends,” the brothers’ older sister said during her victim impact statement. “If you could find one of them, you could find the other.” She explained to Judge Edelman that she didn’t think Lamar intended to kill Mark when they got into the fight.

She asked the judge to be lenient when imposing a sentence, so Lamar could return home. “I just want one of my siblings back,” she pleaded.

The prosecutor argued the proffer of facts in this case belied the evidence. “Putting it bluntly, it’s nonsense,” he said. Having already made an argument in his sentence letter, he asked Judge Edelman to impose a sentence in the mid-range of the sentencing guidelines. Voluntary manslaughter while armed carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.

Michelle Stevens, Lamar’s attorney, asked for the bottom of the sentencing guidelines. “This case is unusual, but it’s just very tragic,” she argued.

According to Stevens, Lamar didn’t intend to cause the death of Mark and is “absolutely shattered that he did.” “The remorse he feels is deep,” she told Judge Edelman, and the burden of killing his brother is never going away.

She explained how Lamar is receiving substance abuse and mental health counseling and is working hard to improve.

Lamar apologized to his family for his actions. He told Judge Edelman, “I am greater than my worst mistake.”

Judge Edelman described the shooting as “senseless,” explaining how a petty dispute turned deadly because Lamar had a firearm on him. This incident was a “terrible, split second decision,” the judge said.

Judge Edelman sentenced Lamar under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would seal his conviction if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements.

The judge argued sentencing under the YRA would be a “hypothetical benefit” for Lamar at the end of the sentence, but would have no impact on his sentence length.

In addition to the nine year prison term, Lamar must also serve five years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a firearm offender when released, complete 90 hours of community service, and undergo substance abuse and mental health counseling.

No further dates have been set.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A jail stabbing defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on March 30.

Darryl Vest, 22, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that took place at the DC Jail at the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on July 12, 2025. The victim sustained a puncture wound to the back of the head.

At the hearing, Vest’s attorney, Susan Ellis, alerted parties that Vest intended to plead guilty. Vest accepted a deal from the prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and in return, they will not seek an indictment on any other charges.

The prosecution said that if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Vest assaulted the victim multiple times with a sharp object while both were incarcerated at the DC Jail. Vest confirmed that the facts of the case were accurate.

Judge Salerno accepted the plea agreement, noting that the maximum penalty for this offense is 10 years imprisonment.

Ellis alerted parties that she will be asking that her client be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The YRA is a sentencing alternative for defendants under 25, allowing the possibility for more lenient sentences or to have their convictions sealed upon successful completion of the sentencing requirements.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 17 for sentencing.

Attorney in Homicide Case Motions For Insanity Defense

A defense attorney in a homicide case will argue the defendant is not guilty by reason of insanity before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 27.

Lavaughn Barnes, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death and dismembering of Abdulio Arias-Lopez, 59, on Nov. 4, 2022, on the 1300 block of Kearney Street, NE.

Hannah Claudio, Barnes’ attorney, told prosecutors and Judge Kravitz that they would be filing a motion to ask for the court to find Barnes not guilty by reason of insanity. Claudio will call an expert to testify in support of the insanity defense..

For Judge Kravitz to grant Barnes an acquittal by reason of insanity, he must find that Barnes was unable to understand the wrongfulness of his actions or how they were against the law. Barnes would then be committed to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.

Prosecutors said they were unaware of these findings and they requested that Claudio share the name of the defense expert.

Judge Kravitz said he believes that motions in the case could “be very difficult.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.

Judge Says Shooting Defendant Wanting to Represent Himself is, ‘Still Not a Lawyer’

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a shooting defendant to undergo a mental competency evaluation before allowing him to represent himself in the case on March 30.

Christopher Wise, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

These counts stem from Wise’s alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE on June 10, 2024. The victim sustained nine total entry and exit gunshot wounds.

Judge Brandt stated that picking a trial date has been delayed because Wise wants to represent himself dismissing his attorney, Darryl Daniels.

Before agreeing, Judge Brandt requested the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) do a mental competency to represent oneself evaluation. Even if they determine Wise is competent to represent himself, Judge Brandt insisted that Wise is “not going solo” and will have an advisor at trial as he is “still not a lawyer.”

To stand trial a defendant must show enough mental competence to understand the charges and help his attorney.

While selecting a trial date, Judge Brandt instructed the parties to look at their 2027 calendars. Wise was clearly angered by this delay and Judge Brandt told him that due to the court’s busy schedule, the ”trial will happen in 2027” and “not a moment sooner.”

Prior to trial, parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 6 for a status hearing.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 19- Years-6 Months For Killing His Friend in Panic

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a fatal shooting defendant to 19-and-a-half years on March 27.

Maleek Thomas, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon on Dec. 2, 2025, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Melvin Dock Jr., 23, on Oct. 30, 2023, on the 4300 block of Halley Terrace, SE. A second victim was also injured in the shooting.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their total sentence request to 25 years of incarceration.

“He deserved time, he deserved a future,” Dock’s mother said at Thomas’ sentencing. She told Judge Dayson that her only son’s murder continues to affect her every day. She said that no outcome in the case will bring her son back, or the future he lost.

Dock’s father said he appreciates that Thomas took responsibility for his actions, but that doesn’t take away the pain. “My son didn’t deserve to die,” he said and asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 25 years.

The prosecution argued that Thomas has shown no recognition, acknowledgment, or remorse for killing Dock. They said Judge Dayson must take into account deterrence and punishment when deciding the sentence and asked for Thomas to serve 25 years. They argued that if this case had gone to trial, Thomas likely would have received life in prison.

Thomas’ attorney, Howard McEachern, asked for a sentence of 17-and-a-half years. He highlighted that Thomas was 21 at the time of the incident and has no prior convictions for crimes of violence.

McEachern said that Thomas had a three year friendship with Dock, and did not intend to kill him. According to previous hearings, Thomas and Dock were attempting an armed carjacking when Thomas started firing in a panic and hit two victims, unintentionally killing Dock. At sentencing, McEachern said that part of Thomas’s punishment is having to live with the knowledge that he accidentally took his friend’s life.

Thomas spoke directly to the court, saying he takes full responsibility for his actions. He apologized to Dock’s parents and said that he did not mean to kill their son. Thomas said he plans to give back to the community and help the youth upon his release.

Judge Dayson said she believes Thomas is sad and remorseful, but is less convinced that he understands his own culpability. She said that Thomas created a dangerous situation that had a tragic outcome.

She sentenced Thomas to 15-and-a-half years imprisonment for second degree-murder while armed and four years for assault with a dangerous weapon. These sentences will run consecutively, followed by three years supervised release. Thomas will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

No further dates were set.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Soup Kitchen Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause and denied the defendant’s release on March 30 in a fatal stabbing that occurred at a soup kitchen.

Jose Sierra Perez, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in killing 37-year-old John Despertt at Miriam’s Kitchen, which provides food and other resources to unhoused and food insecure individuals, on the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, NW, on Feb. 5. Despertt sustained a fatal stab wound to the chest.

Judge Ryan found probable cause for second-degree murder while armed and said the facts of the case are “sparse” but “more than sufficient” to find probable cause. He said there is no evidence of mitigating circumstances, meaning factors that would lessen the crime’s severity.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who the prosecutors called to testify said multiple witnesses saw Despertt fall to the ground and the suspect walk away. She said one witness saw the suspect carrying an item described as a “short blade.” The detective said a security guard later recovered the weapon, which was a “multi-tool” with suspected blood on it.

Security footage played in court showed the dining and kitchen area at Miriam’s Kitchen, and the detective said the stabbing occurred near a refreshments area off camera.

Witnesses have not identified anyone else as suspects in the case, according to the detective.

During cross-examination, the detective said all of the witnesses faced away from Despertt during the incident, so they did not see who stabbed him. She said three of them named a potential witness who they believe actually saw the stabbing, but MPD has not been able to contact him.

According to court documents, Perez was detained as a suspect on scene after he was reportedly witnessed with a knife. MPD identified him through the hospital discharge paperwork he had at the time of his arrest dated Feb. 4 with the name “Jose Sierra Perez,” but police found no official identification.

One of the witnesses said without using Perez’s name that the suspect had come into Miriam’s Kitchen intoxicated before, according to the detective.

The detective said she has no information suggesting the stabbing was an accident or self-defense.

Christen Philips, Perez’s attorney, asked Judge Ryan not to find probable cause because no witnesses actually saw the stabbing, and police did not run any tests to find out if the substance on the recovered weapon was Despertt’s blood.

A prosecutor said they did not need to find a motive or reason for the stabbing and said the “absence of evidence is evidence,” pointing to a lack of mitigating circumstances.

After Judge Ryan found probable cause, Philips asked him to release Perez, who is unhoused, to a shelter that was expecting him had he been released. According to Phillips, she located Spanish-speaking substance abuse and mental health care services should Perez, who only speaks Spanish, need them.

The prosecutor said Perez poses a flight risk because he has no ties to DC and tried to flee the stabbing scene. He said Perez is a “very real danger” to society because he “senselessly” killed another unhoused man.

“If there is one place Perez shouldn’t be, it’s a shelter because that’s where he committed this crime,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Ryan denied Perez’s release and ordered a mental competency screening upon Philips’ request. To stand trial, Perez must understand the charges against him and be able to aid his attorney in his defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 8.

Defendant Receives Fully Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe gave a non-fatal shooting defendant a suspended sentence of six months on March 27.

Jamira Guillory, 24, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, second-degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without a license outside a business or home, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the intersection of 18th and Bryant Street, NE on Aug. 24, 2025.

She pleaded guilty Jan. 20 to carrying a pistol without a license outside a business or home for her involvement.

The prosecutor requested a suspended sentence of 15 months with 18 months of supervised probation. According to the prosecution, a five-year-old child was in the backseat of the car, which she said is concerning.

The prosecution also requested that Judge Pipe order mental health assessments as part of Guillory’s probation conditions.

Guillory’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, asked Judge Pipe to sentence her client under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed or cleared after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility.

Sapirstein asked Judge Pipe to sentence Guillory at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines: six months suspended.

Sapirstein said Guillory has done community service in the past when applying for college, so she is familiar with the work that the YRA requires. Also, Sapirstein agreed with Judge Pipe that Guillory would benefit from mental health services.

“I’m sorry,” Guillory said to Judge Pipe.

Judge Pipe acknowledged that Guillory had no criminal history and was eligible for the YRA. As a result, Judge Pipe sentenced her to a suspended sentence of six months and one year of supervised probation. Guillory must also register as a gun offender in DC.

Requirements of Guillory’s probation include mental health assessments, no possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon and 90 hours of community service.

No further dates were set.

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