Judge Drops Two Charges as Co-Defendant Refuses Transport Exit

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park dismissed two charges for a non-fatal shooting defendant and waived the appearance of his co-defendant who refused to get off transport on Nov. 21.

Nikia Cunningham, 31, and Bernard Vance, 31, are charged with robbery while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, second degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, and unlawful possession of ammunition. This stems from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE, on March 28, 2023. One individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

Cunningham is additionally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Vance is additionally charged with another count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business and tampering with physical evidence.

Cunningham’s attorneys, Jesse Winograd and Carrie Weletz, told the court that her appearance had been waived after a Marshal reported that she refused to get off the transport bus upon arriving at the courthouse. Winograd said the behavior was unusual for his client, and the judge responded that he would not draw conclusions if it was an isolated incident.

The prosecution also stated that they intended to dismiss the carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or business and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device charges against Vance with prejudice. This decision means both charges have been dropped, and the prosecution is now legally barred from filing the same claim again.

Winograd indicated that the defense intended to discuss limiting the prosecution’s references to Cunningham’s prior convictions. However, Wole Falodun, representing Vance, said most pending motions were “not pressing” and could be resolved directly with the prosecution. The prosecution and Winograd agreed that outstanding evidentiary questions could be handled collaboratively or addressed during trial.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 8 for jury trial.

Murder Defendant Sentenced, Co-defendant’s Sentence Suspended

Two individuals involved in a fatal shooting were sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Nov. 21.

On June 18, Antoine Tucker, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Vernon Harrison on June 22, 2022 on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of nine-and-a-half years-to-12 years.

Nakia Pearson, 32, pleaded guilty to attempting to carry a pistol without a license for her involvement in assisting Tucker with his crime.

At the hearing, the prosecution argued that Tucker receive the maximum sentence of 12 years, given that the incident caused the death of a bystander and the defendant’s substantial prior record, indicated that Tucker needed to “learn his lesson”.

Tucker’s defense attorney, Terrance Austin, argued that Tucker experienced a difficult upbringing, and requested the minimum sentencing guidelines. Austin offered Judge Edelman insight into Tucker’s early childhood memories about his mother’s substance abuse with heroin, and his experience with teenage homelessness– arguing that while his youth influenced what happened, Tucker has since shown remorse.

“Antoine Tucker is not a monster,” Austin said. “He is not a person without values or morals, or deserves to be locked up in a prison for the rest of his life.”

Austin also told Judge Edelman that Tucker’s time in the DC Jail has led to rehabilitation services for his mental health, as well as medication to help regulate his behavior. Austin emphasized that Tucker was determined to complete his GED and expand his skillset in order to maintain permanent employment to support his own family.

Austin also read a letter from Tucker’s wife to the court, that stated that she was the first person in Tucker’s life to say she was proud of him.

“[Tucker] has potential,” Austin said. “He has always had potential. He has just never had the platform to use it before.”

Judge Edelman acknowledged that a much longer sentence would normally be considered for the incident, and raised concern about Tucker’s record, which contained a number of violent offenses, gun offenses, and misdemeanors since 2014 across both DC and Maryland.

Ultimately, Judge Edelman agreed with the prosecution and stated that the defense’s argument for the minimum sentence, as well as Tucker’s history with his wife would be more mitigating if Tucker was younger.

Tucker was therefore sentenced to 11-and-a-half years of incarceration with five years of supervised release where Tucker must maintain employment and vocational training. Judge Edelman also ordered that upon his release, Tucker must complete a mental health assessment, maintain a stay-away order, and register as a firearm offender.

Judge Edelman also ordered that Tucker must be placed within 180 miles of Washington D.C. and complete his GED while incarcerated.

Pearson’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, stated that Pearson did not know anything about the crime, and would continue to refuse to plead guilty to anything that relates her directly to the homicide.

Odom stated that there was nothing in Pearson’s past that showed that she would hide or plan the “heinous crime” that took place, and therefore requested a sentence of probation. Odom also spoke highly of Pearson, saying that, “In many ways she is a success story, and she is an incredible mom.”

Pearson was sentenced to 120 days of incarceration, all of which was suspended, and six months of probation without supervision, with the condition of a stay-away order.

Judge Edelman acknowledged that Pearson had remained on release for more than two-and-a-half years and maintained perfect compliance, and stated that he does not believe that she requires further supervision.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Arrests Juvenile for Two Northeast Shootings

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 17-year-old juvenile male for involvement in two separate shootings in Northeast. On Oct. 31, a teenage male victim was shot on the 1300 block of 49th Street, and on Nov. 11, an adult male victim was shot on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue. Both victims survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The juvenile suspect has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) for both incidents.

Defendant Accused of Committing First Murder of 2024 Rejects Plea Deal

A murder defendant, accused of committing the first murder of 2024, rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 19.

Jelani Cousin, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and attempted second degree sex abuse–incompetent for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds on Jan. 1, 2024. This incident occurred at a hotel on the 4000 block of Military Road, NW. The incident occurred at 1:18 a. m.

Cousin’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, told the court that he intended to reject a plea offer extended by prosecutors. The deal required Cousin to plead guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and assault with intent to kill, in exchange for the other charges being dismissed. If he accepted, the parties would agree to a sentencing range of 19-to-24 years of imprisonment.

Due to his rejection parties scheduled a trial for March 2027.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5, 2026.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty

A suspect involved in a non-fatal stabbing accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman Nov. 21.

Oscar Salgado-Aquilar, 51, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and two counts of robbery.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1400 block of T Street NW on Dec. 5, 2020. Salgado-Aquilar’s wife and stepdaughter sustained injuries during the incident.

At the hearing, Salgado-Aquilar accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Salgado-Aquilar was arguing with his wife at home, in front of their children, and stabbed her numerous times. The victim’s daughter–Salgado-Aquilar’s stepdaughter– attempted to stop him from attacking her mother, and suffered stab wounds on her hand and finger.

The prosecution also asked to tighten Salgado-Aquilar’s release conditions prior to sentencing. Kevin O’Sullivan, Salgado-Aquilar’s defense attorney, argued that he has been on release for the last five years and has remained in perfect compliance, additionally stating that he had recently received a promotion at his job.

Judge Edelman said he believed that Salgado-Aquilar did not indicate any signs of flight-risk or pose a danger to the community, and therefore denied the prosecution’s request for stepped back release.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Feb. 20, 2026.

Near-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant allegedly involved in a near-fatal shooting pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Todd Edelman on Nov 21.

Ke’Shaun Farmer, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, threat to kidnap or injure a person, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or a business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 18 on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE.

During the hearing, Farmer pleaded not guilty to all charges. Farmer’s defense attorney, Bernadette Armand, alerted Judge Edelman that the defendant was having difficulty accessing evidence discovered prior to his trial date, which is set for April 20, 2026.

Judge Edelman stated that he would reach out to the Department of Corrections (DOC) to allow Farmer to gain access to a computer to view discovery.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 18.

Judge Questions Shooting Defendant’s Release Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman raised a concern for judicial action for a shooting defendant’s ability to maintain a permanent address on Nov. 21.

Demetry Ferguson, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm of ammunition, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Sept. 8, 2024 on the 4400 block of E Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim was Ferguson’s baby’s mother’s new boyfriend.

On Oct. 10, 2024, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein released Ferguson with GPS monitoring, as well as stay-away orders and a curfew between 10 p. m. and 6 a. m.

Judge Edelman also granted that Ferguson could spend up to three days a week at his grandmother’s home to assist in her care on Feb. 20.

During the hearing, Judge Edelman raised a concern with Ferguson’s defense attorney Steven Kiersh, regarding a report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) noting Ferguson’s inability to keep a permanent address to maintain his release conditions. Kiersh told Judge Edelman that he was planning to file a motion to terminate his release that will allow him to stay at an alternative address with a curfew.

The prosecution also put a plea offer on the record, that if Ferguson pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed, all other charges would be dismissed. Kiersh requested more time to speak with his client about the offer.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 22.

Bench Warrant Issued for Infanticide Defendant Following Two Month Absence

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman issued a bench warrant on Nov. 21 for a homicide defendant that he previously allowed to access an inpatient treatment program for substance abuse.

Christen Borden, 36, is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children with grave risk for her alleged involvement in the death of her five-month-old son, Kenneth Walton, on Feb. 11, 2023 on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Walton died from multiple blunt force injuries.

On July 3, Judge Edelman granted Borden’s move from an inpatient drug treatment program to an outpatient program.

At the hearing, Judge Edelman stated that he had been notified that following Borden’s transfer from the DC Jail to begin outpatient treatment on Sept. 24, Borden checked herself out the same day.

Borden allegedly told her Pretrial Services Agency Officer (PSAO) that she wished to check herself into another facility to begin treatment, although she has since been considered a loss of contact, according to Judge Edelman.

Borden’s defense attorneys, Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, said that they had spoken to Borden within 24 hours of the hearing, and that she was currently undergoing detox in an outpatient facility.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant, which Judge Edelman issued with no bond, explaining that he believed that Borden was manipulating her release conditions.

Parties will reconvene once Borden is located.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide

The lead detective in a fatal shooting explained his investigation into the incident before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Nov. 20.

Ramon Richardson, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Lawrence Meekins, 50, on the 1800 block of E Street, SE on July 1.

The detective said that Richardson was arrested later that day for a separate firearm incident, just hours after the early morning shooting. The firearm was allegedly discovered, at the Richardson family home.

The prosecutor played footage that police obtained from the Congressional Cemetery, down the block from where the incident occurred. In the clips, a physical altercation between two people can be seen, followed by two visible muzzle flashes.

During cross-examination by defense attorney Madalyn Harvey, the detective said that he did not personally respond to the incident and knew what had happened through the body-worn camera and reports of the responding officers, and interviews with the two witnesses to the incident. He did, however, respond to the shooting on E street.

By the time he arrived, the paramedics had left. Five cartridge casings were found, four of which were near the body, the other in the street. Only one of the casings likely matched the firearm that was recovered from Richardson’s home, according to the detective.

When asked by Harvey, the detective was unsure if that was due to only one casing being tested or all five being tested and only one matching the gun.

Both the defendant and the victim had prior criminal history before the incident, which both parties pointed out. Harvey referenced several 911 calls that were made that night by nearby residents. One of the callers reported a gun twice, first claiming that they had heard someone say they were going to get a gun out of a vehicle, then also saying that someone had a gun during the fight.

Harvey theorized that Meekins may have had a gun, due to his criminal history. The detective said no firearm was found on the body, but could neither confirm or deny that anyone had approached the body due to tree leaves partially blocking the camera’s view.

Police had responded twice to the 911 calls. Both times, none of the officers were sure if either Richardson or Meekins were on the scene at the time.

Harvey also noted that only one of the witnesses was able to identify Richardson from the video, and that another witness had said it could be him but he was not sure without clearly seeing the suspect’s face. Both witnesses were involved in a home incident that had occurred later that day and were asked to identify Richardson from video taken of the first incident.

Police had interviewed several witnesses. Two had been on the phone with the victim hours before the shooting. One witness claimed that Meekins may have been selling drugs that he had gotten from someone else. Two other witnesses were labeled as possible suspects due a tip.

Throughout the hearing, the detective’s investigation notes, referred to as the “running resume,” were used to refresh and then challenge his testimony. Frequently, the witness said “I’d have to refresh my memory” or “I don’t recall” to the defense’s questions. The notes and affidavit were referenced at least 15 times.

After the witness was dismissed, Harvey asked the judge to deny probable cause. She claimed that the witness who had identified Richardson, a family member, may have been a misidentification. She also said that, due to Meekins’ criminal history, Richardson could have been acting in self-defense and that it could be inferred that someone had approached Meekins’ body and removed a weapon.

Judge Edelman said that would need to be proven. He also said that room in the evidence for self-defense does not defeat probable cause. He found probable cause and held the defendant due to the prosecution’s claim that Richardson, who has a criminal history of his own and allegedly threatened to shoot someone in the incident at his house on the same day, is a threat to the community.

The judge also believed that Richardson would prove a flight risk due to a record of executed bench warrants and contempt convictions, despite the defense’s request for 24-hour home confinement.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.

Why I Do This…

I am asked a lot of times why I do this? Why do I wake up every morning and spend my time running D.C. Witness, finding ways to keep us afloat, talking about homicides, shootings and other violent crimes? Why don’t I just retire?

Here’s why. Because I arrived in the city in 1990, a fresh faced-journalist hungry to make my name. This city gave me my career. This city gave me my life. I met my wife here. My kids were born here. I raised them here (ok admittedly I don’t have great things to say about DCPS.) Today, my kids are grown and moved on with their lives. For some reason my wife still puts up with me. DC is still my home.

I owe this city.

Through all the ups and downs, the coming and going of administrations, the mostly soul crushing of our sports teams – where art though oh Commanders, Nats, Caps (sometimes) and Wizards (always!) – our ever so ephemeral self-rule, the new skylines of NOMA and Navy Yards, the changing population, this city has been and is my home.

So what can I give in return? To quote Liam Neeson, “I don’t have money but I have a set of skills acquired over many years.” So, I set up D.C. Witness to do what nobody else does, other than the occasional flashy take out by the Post: shed light on the most important and yet opaque part of city government – criminal justice.

It’s a really quick way to not make money. But I don’t do it for money. I do it for our city. And now I do it for my amazing staff whose energy, hope and enthusiasm remind me of when I first arrived. I do this for our hungry interns who sit in courtrooms gathering the facts and data, getting the experience they can’t elsewhere. I do this for the families and victims, and the families of the accused who stop our folks in courtrooms virtually every day to thank us.

That’s why I do it. Because DC is my home, and I believe I have the duty to give back. Call me old-fashioned.

And once a year I ask you, our readers and supporters, for help by donating to our end-of-year, tax-deductible, fundraising campaign. A generous match means every dollar up to $15,000 raised by December 31 will be doubled. So I am asking that if you feel what we do benefits our city, please join me in giving back by donating whatever you can spare.

Happy holidays.

Amos Gelb

Publisher

Give Today

Non-Fatal Shooting Co-Defendant Accepts Plea Deal Following Earlier Mistrial

A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 20.

Daniel Cary, 33, and Chantel Stewart, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020.

During the hearing, Cary pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The prosecution waived sentencing enhancements and dismissed all remaining charges and Cary’s misdemeanor Bail Reform Act (BRA) case.

The plea comes after their jury trial in January of this year. The jury ended in a deadlock on some of their charges, resulting in a mistrial.

Cary will be required to register as a gun offender following release.

Stewart pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to retrial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on July 22, 2020 Cary was driven by Stewart next to the victim’s car where he knowingly and voluntarily fired five shots into the vehicle as the victim was driving away.

The victim was hit once in the back, and she suffered a collapsed lung. She underwent three surgeries and was hospitalized for a month.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 13., 2026.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Wants Transfer After Bus Incident

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt issued a medical alert for a non-fatal shooting defendant during a status hearing on Nov. 20.

Marcus Martin, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that wounded one individual on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024.

Defense attorney Quo Meiko Judkins asked Judge Brandt to request the Department of Corrections (DOC) transfer Martin from the Central Detention Facility (CDF) to the lower security Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF). The request followed Martin’s hospitalization after being attacked on the transport bus to the courthouse. Martin alleged he is still suffering from pain in his side.

Judge Brandt issued a medical alert and is submitting a request he be moved to CTF.

Trial is set for Feb. 23, 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 23.

Jury Swiftly Convicts Homicide Defendant

After less than a day of deliberation, a jury unanimously found a homicide defendant guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 21.

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting and stabbing of Orlando Galloway, 36, on April 2, 2023 at the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. Also injured was Galloway’s girlfriend, who was stabbed but survived.

After two weeks of trial, the jury found Worthy guilty of all charges. Worthy showed no emotion hearing the .

The parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30, 2026 for sentencing.

Judge Denies Release Request a Third Time

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release for a third time on Nov. 20.

Robert Harris, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on July 1. One individual sustained injuries.

Adgie O’Bryant, Harris’ attorney, stated that he has filed three motions for bond review, two of which were denied. Judge Hertzfeld denied the third motion, noting that there has been no new evidence to prove Harris does not pose a threat to the community.

O’Bryant then requested to withdraw from the case because of “irreconcilable differences” between him and Harris. Judge Hertzfeld warned Harris that the case would be set back as a newly appointed attorney would need time to familiarize themselves with his case.

Harris requested more time to consider.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 2.

‘His Life Mattered,’ Judge Declares, in Sentencing Murderer to 39 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman emphasized the impact of a young murder defendant’s actions before sentencing him to 39 years in prison on Nov. 24.

Ethan Cunningham, 23, was convicted by a jury on Jan. 31 of two counts of felony murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary while armed, attempted robbery while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

The charges stem from his involvement in an attempted robbery that led to the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE. A second victim was targeted but uninjured.

At sentencing, prosecutors informed the court they were required to dismiss the ammunition feeding device charge due to new directives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The prosecutors requested Cunningham serve 45 years of imprisonment, 40 years for the murder, and five years for the assault.

The prosecution described Cunningham’s attitude during the case as “cavalier” and said his actions in court were disrespectful to Curtis’ grieving family. According to the prosecution, Curtis “repeatedly threw temper tantrums and refused to come to court” and argued with his attorneys.

Curtis’ oldest daughter said her father’s murder left her shattered and forced her to look at the world differently. “I never thought I would be burying my dad at the age of 18,” said Curtis’ daughter.

“Knowing my dad was in pain makes me angry because he was a good, loving person,” said the daughter.

Curtis’ sister told the court that the murder left Curtis’ five children without a father. She added that she also lost her own father, because he was no longer the same person after losing his son.

“James was more than just a random victim. He had dreams, he had ambitions, and a heart that was full of love for everyone around him,” said the sister.

Another of Curtis’ sisters said that after the sentencing, their family would have no way of avoiding the reality that Curtis was truly gone.

The surviving victim provided a short statement in which he extended his condolences to Curtis’ family and said Cunningham did not deserve any freedom.

Everald Thompson, Cunningham’s attorney, requested the mandatory minimum, 30 years of imprisonment. Thompson asked Judge Edelman to consider Cunningham’s age as a mitigating factor because his brain was not fully developed and young individuals can act impulsively.

Thompson acknowledged “sorry cannot bring back their loved ones,” but said Cunningham accepted responsibility and was regretful for his actions.

Tayo Belle, an education attorney from the School Justice Project (SJP), disputed prosecutors’ claims that Cunningham lacked remorse as “nothing further from the truth.” Belle said during Cunningham’s discussions with pre-sentence report writers he tried to explain his thought process the day of the incident, not deflect responsibility.

According to Belle, Cunningham’s outbursts at court indicated his struggles with PTSD, panic disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and other mental health conditions that were untreated. Belle said Cunningham was a young person who needed support in a broken system that did not provide it for him.

Belle also said Cunningham earned his high school diploma in July while incarcerated. Judge Edelman was impressed by Cunningham’s diploma and viewed it as an encouraging sign of his maturity since the trial.

Judge Edelman said the evidence of Cunningham’s guilt was “overwhelming” during the trial but did not fault Cunningham for exercising his right to a trial. However, the judge emphasized he could not give Cunningham credit for remorse or responsibility because he continued to minimize his conduct.

Cunningham’s prior record was significant for his age, noted the judge. According to Judge Edelman, Cunningham had a pending non-fatal stabbing case in the DC Superior Court in addition to a warrant in Maryland for a carjacking case against him. “Cunningham remains dangerous,” said the judge.

“I don’t find much satisfaction in giving lengthy sentences to young men,” remarked Judge Edelman. Reflecting on how Cunningham’s actions resulted in Curtis’ death, he added, “The impact here is devastating…his life mattered.”

Judge Edelman sentenced Cunningham to 34 years for each felony murder charge, five years for assault with a dangerous weapon, 12 years for burglary, five years for attempted robbery, five years for each possession of a firearm charge, and one and a half years for carrying a pistol.

All charges will run concurrently except for the assault charge, which will run consecutively, followed by five years of supervised release, and be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

Cunningham will serve a total of 39 years of imprisonment and no further dates were set.

Search