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Fatal Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Heads to Trial 

A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 8.    

Domonic Tabron, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and pandering for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Brittany Palmer, 23, that occurred on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE on July 9, 2022.  

Prosecutors extended a plea offer in April of this year, but terms were not discussed in court. Tabron’s attorney, Jeremy Feldman, informed Judge Kravitz that Tabron rejected the offer and opted to proceed to trial.

The prosecution revoked the offer following Tabron’s rejection.

The prosecution also stated they anticipate issuing charges related to the case in federal court  and will likely dismiss the current case in DC Superior Court.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 26. 

Non-Fatal Shooter Changes Plea to Guilty 

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded guilty during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Aug. 8.

Kingston King, 20, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the intersection of Georgia Avenue, NW and Morton Street, NW on Nov. 18, 2024. One victim suffered from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. 

The plea deal extended by prosecutors required King to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered firearm. In exchange, the prosecution will not seek an indictment and dismiss all other changes related to the case. The deal also required King to register as a gun offender in DC.

King could serve a maximum sentence of ten years of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and one year for possession of an unregistered firearm. 

King pleaded guilty to the charges and waived his right to independently test any DNA evidence. 

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 17. 

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation For Stabbing Defendant on Suicide Watch

A stabbing defendant was ordered to undergo a full mental competency evaluation during an Aug. 8 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Devyn Cyphers, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in the stabbing of a woman on July 31 on the 300 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Cyphers, who was friends with the victim, reportedly called her and asked to meet. During the conversation, Cyphers allegedly pulled out a knife and slashed the woman’s neck before reaching for a gun. The victim was able to escape.

Cyphers reportedly refused to participate in an initial mental competency screening by the Department of Behavioral Health. A defendant can’t stand trial unless the person understands the charges and can help a lawyer defend the case.

Cyphers was not present during the hearing but her attorney, Peter Odom, requested a full competency evaluation.  Odom informed Judge Hertzfeld that Cyphers is “deeply, deeply in the throes of mental illness” and has refused to speak with him. Odom said Cyphers is currently on suicide watch, exhibiting signs of psychosis, and has marks on her wrists. Odom argued that keeping her at the DC Jail Central Treatment Facility (CTF) was “playing with fire.”

Prosecutors did not oppose the request but cited both safety and security concerns. Judge Hertzfeld granted the request and ordered Cyphers’ transfer to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for a full psychiatric evaluation. 

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23.

Prosecutors Show Video Said to Depict Murder Suspect Following Victim

The lead detective in a fatal shooting case testified about surveillance footage of a defendant allegedly following the victim at the crime scene during a trial on Aug. 11 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan

Jajuan Gripper, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.

During the trial, the prosecution called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective on the case and showed surveillance video the detective collected during his investigation. The footage showed an individual police claim is Gripper following Bradford toward the alley where the murder occurred. However, the prosecution stated that the alley itself had no cameras. Due to time constraints the detective will resume his testimony another day.

The prosecution also continued questioning an FBI special agent who analyzed Gripper’s cell site data. The agent testified on the day of the murder Gripper’s phone was in the vicinity of Bradford’s apartment, where the incident occurred, around the time of the murder. 

Another prosecution witness who was in the same neighborhood when the shooting occurred said that he did not hear the gunshots due to his loud music but went outside after the shooting and someone handed him a gun as depicted on video.

During cross-examination by Gripper’s attorney, Wole Faludun, the witness testified that he did not know who handed him the gun.

The prosecution also a specialist who identified Gripper’s fingerprint as a likely match to fingerprints on the evidence. The witness did not specify where the fingerprints were from, but prosecutors argued in opening statements that Gripper’s fingerprints were found on a Sprite can and cartridge casings from the crime scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 12 to continue the trial.

Judge Negates Prior Competency Rulings For Pickaxe Defendant 

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman vacated several competency findings made by other DC Superior Court judges on Aug. 1. 

Asmerom Ghebrekidan, 54, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Fitsum Mamo and the assault of another individual on May 25, 2023 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. 

According to court documents, Ghebrekidan allegedly stabbed Mamo in the head and arm with a pickaxe and hit another individual with the handle of the pickaxe before witnesses were able to restrain him in an alleyway. Mamo succumbed to his injuries two days later. 

The prosecution stated that the defendant was found competent on four separate occasions from various judges and by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) at Saint Elizabeths psychiatric hospital. 

Determining Ghebrekidan’s competency has been a longstanding issue for the court. 

Defense attorney Jason Tulley stated that a doctor who is in the process of evaluating Ghebrekidan believes the defendant could be deemed incompetent, however needs more time to determine his restorability. 

Ultimately, Judge Edelman vacated previous judges competency findings as he would like to hear arguments from experts who evaluated Ghebrekidan. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 12.

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A murder defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 8.

Korin Agnew, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Korey Glasker on Sept. 11, 2024 on the 3700 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

Prosecutors offered Agnew a deal that would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for prosecutors dropping the remaining charges and dismissing charges in two other cases.

According to court records, Agnew is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession with intent to distribute marijuana in a 2024 case and felony possession with intent to distribute marijuana and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance in a 2025 case.

Agnew’s attorney, Marnitta King, informed the court that Angew rejected the plea deal and opted to proceed to trial. 

Both parties agreed to not set a trial date until the prosecution brings an indictment against Agnew. They have until January 10, 2026 to do so.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 14.

Stabbing Defendant Re-sentenced to 18 Months After Probation Revocation

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel re-sentenced a stabbing defendant to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release on Aug. 7 after her probation was revoked for non-compliance.

On Aug. 22, 2024, Alicia Faison, 37, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on April 22, 2024. The incident occurred on the 4000 block of G Street, SE.

According to court documents, Faison let two homeless people into her apartment and left. When she returned, Faison started yelling and grabbed two knives from the kitchen. She stabbed one of the individuals multiple times in the hands, arms, and neck. 

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park previously sentenced Faison on Oct. 17, 2024 to 18 months incarceration, all but six months suspended, with 12 months of probation. 

On Aug. 5, Judge Israel revoked Faison’s probation due to several violations of probation conditions. 

The prosecution argued that the remainder of Faison’s original sentence be imposed, which is 12 months incarceration. They said Faison has failed to abide by the terms of probation, including failing to appear for drug testing and failing to report to Faison’s case manager. 

Faison’s defense attorney, Jamison Koehler, argued for a lesser sentence than the full amount, citing the fact that Faison suffers from mental health issues and drug problems. He also noted significant events that occurred during the case, including a forensic issue and Faison’s foot injury that required surgery. Koehler also said Faison had a baby in July. 

Faison did not address the court.

Judge Israel said the court was waiting for signs that Faison was complying with probation, but a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) had not been able to engage with Faison from November to July. 

Judge Israel said Judge Park’s original sentence was fair, and she resentenced Faison to 18 months, with credit for time served, and three years of supervised release. Faison will have 12 months of incarceration left to serve.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Guilty, Stays on Release

A carjacking defendant accepted a guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Aug. 7. 

Elijah Montgomery, 20, was originally charged with first-degree theft, armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing from a law enforcement officer, and destruction of property $1000 or more. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a carjacking on the 5100 block of Sargent Road, NE, on Oct. 12, 2023.

According to court documents, Montgomery, along with two other individuals, blocked in a parked car with the victim inside. The group demanded the victim exit the vehicle and hand over his cell phone. The three suspects fled with the victim’s car. 

When the carjacking occurred, Montgomery was driving a black sedan stolen from the Takoma Park Metro Station. Montgomery proceeded to crash into another vehicle and flee from police. 

During his hearing, Montgomery’s attorney, Matthew Rist, informed the court that he intended to accept a plea offer extended by the prosecution. Through the plea, Montgomery pled guilty to armed robbery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and fleeing from law enforcement, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

The prosecution requested Montgomery be detained pending sentencing. Rist argued that Montgomery should remain on release, as he has been compliant with release conditions for the past 22 months, has strong family support from his mother and uncle, and is facing his first criminal charge. 

Judge Di Toro kept the defendant on release. 

Sentencing is slated for Nov. 7.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 19 Years

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 228 months of incarceration before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 1.

On May 5, Andre Clark, 34, pled guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Leonard Taylor Jr. on Oct. 20, 2024, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 180-to-240 months of incarceration.

Several victim impact statements were delivered by Taylor’s family members during the sentencing.

Taylor’s mother stated that since her son’s death, “[her] world has come crashing down.” Her family dynamic has completely changed, and she said she began blaming herself and Taylor’s father for their son’s death. She stated she often feels angry and helpless, which has caused her to experience frequent panic attacks. 

“I feel all this because someone decided to play God and take my son from me,” she cried. She also recounted that Taylor completed rehab in August 2024 and was on a path she was proud of.

Taylor’s sister, standing alongside their brother for support, stated, “Losing my brother is like a burning rage. I can’t sleep at night. It’s not fair, it’s really not.”

The prosecution stated that, rather than attempting to speak more eloquently about Taylor, they would focus on the actions of the defendant. They emphasized that the shooting occurred on a residential street in broad daylight, and Taylor was shot in the back, suggesting he was fleeing from Clark at the time.

Prosecutors also said Clark proceeded to cut his hair and then hid in Baltimore after the shooting. They referenced his extensive criminal history, which includes robberies and assault.

Defense attorney Thomas Key stated that while his client regrets his actions, and Clark believed Taylor was reaching for a gun and never intended to shoot or kill him. Key acknowledged this was not a strong self-defense claim but explained that Clark had a troubled childhood. He learned at a young age that the man he thought was his father was not, and that he was also sexually assaulted as a child.

Clark apologized to the victim’s family, the court, and his own family.

Ultimately, Judge Edelman sentenced Clark to 228 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Edelman noted that, given the fact the crime occurred in broad daylight, the nature of the shooting could have warranted a first-degree murder charge. He also cited Clark’s long criminal history, including firearms offenses, as influencing his decision. However, the judge acknowledged that Clark accepted responsibility early and took a guilty plea.

Parties are not set to reconvene.

Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Seven Years

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a carjacking defendant to seven years and one day on Aug. 7.

On June 9, Parren Hawkins, 33, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his involvement in a on the 300 block of 15th St, NE on Feb. 2.

Although the victim did not make an appearance, the individual did write a statement. The victim indicated that the crime affected the invidiuah who was out of a job for a month-and-a-half. 

“This is not a one person problem,” the person wrote, “this is a community problem.”

The prosecution requested Hawkins be sentenced to the mandatory minimum of seven years for the unarmed carjacking.

Hawkins’ defense attorney, Martin Rosendorf, stated that his client had recently lost his grandmother and began drinking heavily as a result. On the night of the incident, he stated that his client had ingested alcohol and psychedelics. One of Hawkins’ first statements to Rosendorf was that he didn’t remember anything that happened, but after waking up in the hospital, he felt very remorseful for his actions.

However, Rosendorf explained, Hawkins has been involved in grief counseling during his incarceration. Having children, Hawkins asked for admission to a facility that offers support programs so he can become a better person and parent.

Rosendorf requested that his client be sentenced to the seven year mandatory minimum plus an added day.

“I send my sincerest apologies to the victim in my case,” said Hawkins, adding “I’m dedicated and committed to make right of my wrongdoings,” said Hawkins.

“I no longer have any desire to indulge in anything that alters or impairs my decisionmaking,” he continued

Judge Salerno stated that he would recommend Hawkins be placed in a prison that offers the support programs he requested. 

Hawkins was sentenced to seven years and a day for unarmed carjacking with three years of supervised release.

He was also sentenced to three years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict with three years of supervised release.

Both sentences are to run concurrent to one another, and Hawkins must also register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Judge Deems Shooting Defendant Mentally Incompetent

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe deemed a shooting defendant mentally incompetent to stand trial during a hearing on August 5.

Kevin Harrison, 24, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 26, 2023, on the 2100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. No injuries were reported. 

Harrison’s defense attorney, Patrick Nowak, asked Judge Pipe to order a Jackson finding during the hearing, which would require that Harrison be deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and not have to be admitted to inpatient hospitalization because he is not restorable.

Nowak asked this in reference to a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Harrison’s state of mind.

In the DBH report, Harrison’s doctor wrote that he lacks comprehension of current events and has no interest in participating in activities in outpatient treatment. The report doesn’t idicate Harrison is restorable and could be deemed competent to fit trial at a later time. In order to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be prepared to help his lawyer.

Upon reviewing the report and hearing Nowak’s argument, Judge Pipe entered the Jackson finding, telling prosecution it had, “not met its burden in proving that Harrison is restorable.”

The prosecution then asked to dismiss the charge of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, which was granted. 

Nowak also asked if Harrison’s GPS monitoring and curfew requirement could be lifted, but Judge Pipe explained that she will maintain these restrictions for community safety.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 4.

Judge Calls Shooting Case a ‘Road Rage’ Incident, Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied a shooting defendant’s request for release due to concerns about community safety, following a waiver of a preliminary hearing on Aug. 5.

Marcus Reavenell, 47, 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 for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 14 on at the intersection of 58th and Foote Streets, NE. No injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, the altercation was sparked by a road rage incident which led to Reavenell’s allegedly following the victim’s vehicle from his own and shooting toward the victim. 

Reavenell’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, informed the court that he intended on waiving his preliminary hearing of the evidence and Judge Glover accepted his waiver. 

Sapirstein requested that Reavenell be released on GPS monitoring or home confinement if necessary. She argued that the majority of his cases were more than 25 years old and said he wanted to return home to help support his partner and their child.

The prosecutor requested that Reavenell continue held at the DC Jail, arguing that he had at least three firearm convictions and had a prior conviction for reckless driving. He claimed that there were no conditions that could be set that would ensure the safety of the community.

Judge Glover said the shooting was a “road rage” incident. He pointed out that Reavenell had a conviction for concealed carry, carrying a pistol without a license, and for unlawfully carrying a handgun in Prince George’s County, Maryland. 

Judge Glover denied Sapirstein’s request for release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 3.

Judge Concerned About Community Safety, Keeps Stabbing Defendant in DC Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover accepted a stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing waiver and denied his request for release due to concerns about community safety on Aug. 5.

Antonio Williams, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Aug. 1 on the 2600 block of Q Street, SE. The victim 

According to court documents, the crime occurred after Williams was upset with the victim, who he had been living with for the past nine months, for allowing another allowing another person to stay with them.

Williams’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, informed Judge Glover that Williams wanted to waive his preliminary hearing, which he accepted.

King requested that Williams be released on GPS monitoring. She argued that Williams is older, had dated criminal history, was a self-employed electrician demonstrating his sense of responsibility.

She added that Williams was willing to find another place to stay and was willing to stay away from the victim.

The prosecutor objected, arguing that Williams had a relationship with the victim, who was supposed to be someone that he cared about, but instead decided to lash out and harm the victim. In addition, she pointed out that there was a child in the room during the stabbing.

The prosecutor said she was planning to extend a plea offer. She requested that Williams continue to be held at the DC Jail and informed Judge Glover that Williams had tested positive for cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP) during drug screenings. 

Judge Glover said while Williams’ criminal history was dated, his criminal history was significant and included prior convictions, cruelty to animals, and misdemeanors for marijuana. 

Ultimately, Judge Glover decided to keep Williams at the DC Jail as he believed there were no conditions that could be set to ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 21.

Suspected Murder Weapon Delivered To Police In A Wine Box 

A detective testified that a murder weapon was delivered to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in a wine box before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 7. 

Jajuan Gripper, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.

A MPD detective testified and prosecutors showed CCTV video footage the detective collected from the apartment complex where the incident occurred.

The footage showed a dark figure running and suddenly collapsing as well as a dark object skidding across the street that the detective assumed to be a firearm. Then, a group of people are seen exiting the apartment building and crowd around the victim. 

The video showed someone pick up what the detective identified as the murder weapon, and hand it to another person who re-entered the building. 

The detective said he later located the apartment where the gun was taken and asked the leasee to return the weapon to the police station. The witness said they transported the gun to MPD several hours later in a wine box. 

The detective confirmed that he identified and swabbed the two individuals who brought the gun to the police station.

Faldoun asked the detective about the footage of events prior to the shooting. The detective replied that although he has knowledge of other CCTV footage clips collected he is not the lead detective on the case and is not responsible for reviewing all surveillance footage.  

During the trial, the prosecution called a toxicologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiners(OCME) to describe Bradford’s results.

The OCME typically tests bile, urine, blood, liver and brain tissue. The toxicologist said alcohol, was detected in Bradford’s bloodstream; the witness concluded he had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .29. 

The witness testified that alcohol could cause lethargy, slowed speech, less focus and lowered inhibitions. He added that determining the level of intoxication for an individual is difficult because tolerance ranges based on gender and bodyweight. 

During cross examination, defense attorney, Wole Faldoun, pointed out that a BAC of .29 is almost four times the legal limit in DC. The toxicologist confirmed he would not advise someone to drive or operate a firearm with that BAC level. 

The witness also clarified that alcohol does not directly correlate to aggressiveness, however he said lowered inhibitions can make someone act in an unusual manner or give someone the confidence to do something they normally would not. 

Prosecutors also called two MPD officers to testify who both executed a search warrant at Gripper’s apartment.

Inside, the officers said they found Gripper and two women. Officers seized a cellphone, a pair of jeans, Gripper’s ID’s including his Social Security card, driver’s license, and a T-Mobile statement. 

Prosecutors also called an eyewitness, Bradford’s neighbor, who testified that the night of the shooting he was playing video games with a few friends on the first floor of the apartment complex. 

The eyewitness said he then heard someone yell something along the lines of “what he took” followed by gunshots. The witness said he was unsurprised by the gunshots because they are a common sound in the area.

Fauldon clarified that the witness never heard any threats or arguments, only the three words “what he took.” 

A firearms expert also testified that 18 total cartridge casings were found at the scene and three types of casings. The expert said he was unable to match any casings to a specific gun because of they sustained damage.

Parties are expected to reconvene the trial on Aug. 11.

At Sentencing Judge Tells Shooter, ‘You Have Been a Menace to Other People’

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a shooting defendant to 60 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release on Aug. 6.

On April 30, Marquise Vauss, 22, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Sept. 17, 2024 on the 1700 block of D Street, NE.

According to court documents, Vauss arrived at the victim’s residence and shot at her vehicle as she was attempting to drive away. No injuries were reported. Vauss and the victim were romantically involved.

The prosecutor requested that Vauss be sentenced to 60 months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, to run concurrently. 

The prosecutor said that she had previously been in contact with the victim, who made it clear that she did not want to press charges or proceed with the case since its inception.

Additionally, the prosecutor claimed Vauss had not taken responsibility as his pre-sentence report stated he claimed to have shot at the ground, that the victim was being “petty,” and that he could have shot her if he wanted to.

Vauss’ defense attorney, Thomas Key, said that Vauss acknowledged that his actions were wrong, to which Judge Hertfeld replied, “I don’t buy it.”

Key asked the court to consider that the victim did not want to proceed with the case. Key requested a sentence of 30 months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm to run concurrently.

Further, he requested that Vauss be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

When asked if he wanted to address the court, Vauss said that his actions were not excusable and despite the issues between him and his girlfriend, he had no intention of hurting her. 

Judge Hertzfeld, puzzled, asked Vauss why he shot a gun at his girlfriend if he didn’t intend to hurt hert?

Vauss claimed he had made a mistake and that his girlfriend knew he did not mean to harm her as she allowed him in the vehicle a few minutes after the incident.

“It was an irrational mistake that took me away from the people I love… I’m so much better than this,” said Vauss.

Vauss told Judge Hertzfeld that while in jail, he was able to make progress and earn an anger management certificate and was taking General Educational Development (GED) and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) courses. He also mentioned that he had unfortunately missed his brother’s funeral due to being incarcerated,

Judge Hertzfeld acknowledged the progress he had made in jail, but told him that the nature of this case was not one that fit into the bottom of the sentencing guidelines.

“This isn’t your first time around this block… so far, you have been a menace to other people,” said Judge Hertzfeld.

Judge Hertzfeld imposed a sentence of 60 months of incarceration for count assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction to run concurrently. 

In addition, Vauss would be placed on three years of supervised release, was ordered to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF), and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.