Carjacking Suspect Can Keep His Lawyers Despite Ties to a Related Case

A defendant asserted his right to keep his public defender service (PDS) attorneys for representation before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 25.

Aniq-Kai Covington, 17, has been charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property worth $1000 or more, carrying a pistol without a license, and possessing an unregistered firearm for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 2700 block of 31st Street SE. Covington is being charged as an adult under Title 16, which is permissible for youth’s charged with certain serious offenses.

During the hearing, Covington agreed to dual representation by his PDS lawyers, Varsha Govindaraju and Damayanti Desai, who are representing another carjacking defendant in a case that allegedly has DNA evidence that may link Covington to that incident.

The other carjacking defendant, Dontrell Davis, 17, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed and unarmed carjacking for his involvement in five incidents in September 2023 including:

Theft of a vehicle on Sept. 1 at the 1900 block of 2nd Street, NE
Armed robbery on Sept. 3 at the 3800 block of 9th Street, SE
Armed robbery on Sept. 10 at the intersection of 18th and Erie Streets, SE
Armed robbery on Sept. 11 at the 1200 block of Savannah Street, SE
Two armed carjackings on Sept. 11 at the 3300 block of 4th Street, SE, and the 2900 block of Erie Street, SE

Covington agreed that his lawyers cannot initiate plea negotiations with the prosecution that may negatively impact Davis. Covington, as part of the agreement, cannot complain about bad or “insufficient” counsel on the grounds of dual representation in the event of a conviction.

Govindaraju and Desai affirmed that it was “not a possibility for Covington to cooperate in any capacity” with the Davis matter. Covington will not become a defendant or a witness in the other case.

Covington’s conflict counsel, Katherine Massey, requested to stay on the case, despite the resolution, due to the connection between the defendants in the separate cases. Judge Salerno approved the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied release for a murder defendant on July 29 even though a witness said he wasn’t the perpetrator.

Darrell M. Hinkle, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Dajuan Blankey on April 21, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police (MPD) went to the suspected location responding to the sounds of gunshots. Police found Blakney lying on the steps in front of a building. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Defense attorney Lucas Dansie brought an investigator from the Public Defender Service (PDS) to testify. The investigator said he interviewed a defense witness, who knew Hinkle, and presented him with surveillance footage of the crime. He testified that the witness told him the man in the video was not Hinkle.

“That man walks like a penguin,” the witness told the investigator. “Darrell doesn’t walk like that.”

The witness also said the man in the video had a different build and hairstyle from the defendant, according to the investigator.

During the prosecution’s cross examination, the investigator said he did not know how the witness knew Hinkle or for how long, because he did not ask.

“[The witness] could have flown here from Mars, as far as I know,” he said.

The prosecution scrutinized the value of the witness’ identification, noting that they were only shown one surveillance video when there were several other videos with different angles.

Judge Park decided the prosecution had sufficient evidence showing Hinkle probably caused the shooting, thus his release was denied.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 29.

Judge Won’t Postpone Shooting Case to Wait For Police Reports

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz nixed a prosecution request to postpone a shooting trial in a July 28 hearing.

Daquawn Lubin, 30, and Jonathan Young, 35, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence.

Lubin is also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. These counts stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two on the 4000 block of Benning Road, SE, on July 24, 2023.

The prosecution wanted to push the trial back to obtain reports from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. An analytical report from an officer was supposed to be filed in April and a GPS data analysis on July 23. Neither had been given to the prosecution in time for the hearing. The prosecution claimed the officers were working diligently and would have them filed “soon.”

Meanwhile, Lubin’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, objected strongly to the deferral motion, noting the impact on Lubin’s ability to work.

O’Sullivan also complained Lubin’s GPS monitoring and a strict curfew have been have created have amounted to a deprivation of liberty during the two years the trial has been pending.

Judge Kravitz denied the prosecution’s motion, stating it “doesn’t seem like there is truly good cause.”

The defense also asked the judge to suppress GPS data evidence from Lubin’s car. He was driving a loaner during the weeks surrounding the incident while his car was being repaired.

The lead MPD detective was given at least four days worth of GPS data from Lubin’s loaner over the course of his investigation. This data was obtained without a warrant, according to O’Sullivan.

He argued people have a legitimate expectation of privacy when data is collected over an extended period. Otherwise, without a warrant, it’s illegal.

In the event the court grants the defense’s motion to suppress, the prosecution said they would file a warrant for the GPS information, which they argued was allowed under the inevitable discovery doctrine.

It allows illegally obtained evidence to be admitted if it is proven that the evidence would have been inevitably discovered through legal means. The prosecution argued the lead detective had probable cause at the time of Lubin’s arrest to file for a warrant to obtain the data.

O’Sullivan countered that the only information the detective had regarding the suspect was a description of the shooter’s being light skinned, wearing jeans and grey sneakers. There was no witness identification or forensic evidence.

The detective identified Lubin as a suspect when, three days after the shooting, he spotted him driving a car which was said to be near the incident area an hour before the shooting.

Judge Kravitz said he wanted to interview the detective about the details of the arrest.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 5.

Carjacking Defendant Rejects Reoponed Plea Offer

A carjacking defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Adrea Hertzfeld on July 30.

Dale Benjamin, 38, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that took place on the 4400 block of Benning Rd, NE on Sept. 15, 2024.

Following the appointment of a new defense attorney, the prosecution decided to reopen an expired plea offer, which Benjamin rejected.

Had Benjamin accepted the plea offer, he would have pleaded guilty to armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in return for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Additionally, Benjamin’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, requested the court to adjust her client’s release conditions to GPS monitoring, allowing him to work.

King argued that Benjamin had a pending job offer, and that it would be good for the community and her client.

The prosecution opposed this motion, stating that GPS monitoring is not adequate to keep the community safe, and requested time to formulate a formal response.

Judge Hertzfeld noted that Benjamin has been very compliant and has not violated any of his current release conditions. However, she decided to maintain Benjamin’s conditions of release until the prosecution has a response ready, and parties can meet to formally decide on the motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 5.

Murder Suspect Facing New Jail Stabbing Charge

DC Superior Court Judge Robert J. Hildum granted a stabbing suspect bond on July 29, but ruled that he be detained as he’s also charged in a murder.

Michael Sanders, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on April 1 on the 1900 block of D Street, SE at the DC Jail’s Central Detention Facility (CTF)

Sanders was originally held at the lower security Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) as he awaits a trial for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki and the injury of another individual at a row home on the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW on Feb. 18, 2022.

Sanders waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence in his stabbing case. Sander’s defense, Daniel Kolver, requested he be released in the stabbing case and Judge Hildum set bond at $500. However, he ordered Sanders back to jail as he awaits a trial date in October for the murder charge, which will precede the stabbing case.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.

Metro Shooting Defendant’s Case Declared a Mistrial

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson declared a shooting defendant’s case mistrial on July 29.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The charges stem from an incident in which the suspect allegedly aimed a gun at a group of five people, then opened fire, injuring one victim, on Nov. 9, 2020, near the busy Columbia Heights Metro Station on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

Shelton’s defense attorneys, Emma Mlyniec and Emily Sufrin, argued that surveillance video footage shared by the prosecution on July 16 should have been turned over months earlier, when the defense first requested available video. The footage purportedly showed that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who testified he was looking at the defendant when the first shot was fired had actually been looking the other way.

As a result Judge Dayson told the jury the prosecution failed to disclose all the footage as was legally required. Additional footage submitted by the defense was admitted into evidence.

The jury deliberated for two days but could not come to a unanimous verdict. Judge Dayson then declared a mistrial and parties will reconvene to determine next steps.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 4.

Judge Orders Mental Health Evaluation for Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a full mental health examination for a carjacking defendant on July 30.

Shannara Macku, 37, is charged with unarmed carjacking and assault on a police officer for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Oct. 19, 2024 on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW.

A member of the Department for Behavioral Health (DBH) reported that Macku was previously found to be incompetent. However, Macku has reportedly been compliant taking her medication.

Judge McLean ordered Macku to have a screening with DBH, in hopes of restoring her competency. A date has already been scheduled.

The law says that in order to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges and be able to assist his attorney in crafting a defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.

Judge Weighs Evidence Admission in a Fatal Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard and ruled on pivotal motions of a murder defendant during a hearing on July 29.

George Sutton, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Coleman, 34, on May 1, 2023, on the 2000 block of M Street, NE.

The defense previously filed a motion to suppress oral statements made by the defendant. The prosecution opposed this and called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who identified the suspect as Sutton in court and stated that the first time he met Sutton was when he searched his house on June 1, 2023 authorized by a warrant.

Sutton was put in handcuffs during the search, and agreed to go to the police station so the detective could interview him. The lead detective affirmed that he read Sutton his Miranda rights and assured Sutton understood he was talking to the police voluntarily. On November 8, 2023, the defendant was arrested and refused to speak to the police at that time.

The prosecution offered four exhibits into evidence which included interviews with Sutton at the police station on June 1, and signed documents that proved Sutton had the option to decline talking with police and knew his rights.

Steven Kiersh, Sutton’s attorney, had the witness clarify that about six to ten officers in uniform showed up to Sutton’s house unannounced. The witness stated that they detained Sutton and his longtime girlfriend, because of MPD’s policy. When Sutton arrived at the police station for an interview, his leg was cuffed so he couldn’t leave. While the detective did read his Miranda rights, there was no ascentainment of Sutton’s education and English language literacy or and comprehension, Kiersch said.

The court ruled the testimony from the lead detective was credible. The Judge also stated that most of the police actions seemed reasonable for officer safety and protection. Therefore, the defense’s motion to suppress statements from the first interview with Sutton on June 1, 2023 was denied.

The interview showed Sutton understood his Miranda rights when they were being read to him and was consistently told by the detectives that he was not under arrest. In the interview, Sutton stating that he did not have anything against the victim and that he did not know the victim’s name or who he was but just had seen him around the neighborhood. Sutton also claimed he was not at the scene of the crime during the incident but when shown a picture of his car he stated that he might have gone back there to sell drugs.

The prosecutor said that inconsistency shows consciousness of guilt.

Sutton also stated that he did not hear any gunshots from the car and explained he would’ve helped the victim if he had seen what happened. The video of the police interview also shows Sutton handing over his phone to the detectives and willingly sharing his passcode to them.

Ultimately, the judge ruled that the prosecution would be allowed to state the defendant and victim knew each other before the incident but denied the prosecution desirfe to mention Sutton’s drug use because it was overwhelmingly prejudicial.

Parties are slated to meet on August 11 at 9 a.m. for jury selection.

A Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Co-Defendant Carjacking Case

One of four co-defendants in an ongoing carjacking case, was arraigned on July 28 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.

Kanna Bowen, 29, is charged with conspiracy, armed carjacking while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on May 30, 2024, on the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

Bowen will be tried alongside co-defendants Travis Morris, 32, Rashid Woods, 28, and James Matheny, 31.

Defense attorney Charles Haskell entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Bowen and asserted her constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Parties for all co-defendants are set to reconvene on Aug. 25.

Judge Sentences ‘Fully Grown’ Jail Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a stabbing defendant to 42 months of incarceration on July 28.

Anthony McNair, 36, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 11, 2024 at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

According to court documents, McNair stabbed the victim who was identified as another inmate at the DC jail. The injuries included the back of head, back of the base of the neck, right shoulder, middle of chest, and a one-inch cut on the left palm.

McNair pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon on Feb. 12, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. The defendant also waived his right to independently test DNA evidence involving biological material recovered in this case.

During the hearing, the prosecution made the court aware that the victim was carrying garbage bags when McNair attacked him. Further, that the stabbing was done in front of many other inmates, which raised concerns if this was done to “put on a show” for other inmates, stated the prosecution.

Defense attorney Marnitta King also countered that McNair felt unsafe and there’s always so much happening in the jails that precipitate situations where “people trying to survive.” King also wanted the court to be aware that McNair acknowledges what he did is very wrong.

Judge Pipe said she’s aware people feel unsafe in jails and prisons but McNair became an example of why inmates feel threatened while they’re locked up.

When it came to sentencing Judge Pipe also acknowledged that McNair is 36 years old and is “fully grown,” and sentenced him to 42 months of incarceration.

No further dates were set.

Court Ponders Whether Stabbing Suspect’s Mental Competence Has Been Restored

In a hearing on July 25, attorneys debated whether a defendant’s mental competency has been restored before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park. In order to stand trial a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and help his attorney craft a defense.

Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, cruelty to children, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a May 27, 2020 stabbing of a 30-month-old child on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

The prosecution argued that behavioral specialists at Saint Elizabeths Hospital said Wright could answer simple questions such as, “What is a felony?” However, he failed to answer the question, “What does it mean to be acquitted?” Still, prosecutors noted that when asked, many defendants could not answer the question properly.

The prosecution also stated that Wright has been able to play and explain strategic games like chess and Trouble, a board game you win by completing the course before your opponent. Prosecutors say Wright is able to make choices about his daily schedule, advocate for treatment as well as perform other tasks. Doctors noted that over time, Wright’s behavior continue to evolve.

However, when asked about details of his case, he was much more hesitant to respond or interact, but he was able to discuss less serious subjects like tattoos.

Defense attorneys Patrick Nowak and Christen Philips argued that Wright’s diagnosis of depression and schizophrenia makes daily tasks challenging. Prosecutors argued that condition is not a measure used in the MacCAT-T mental capacity test; therefore it should not be considered when evaluating Wright’s legal competency.

The MacCAT-T measures a patient’s ability to understand their treatment, appreciate their situation and make good choices.

DC Superior Judge Neal Kravitz ruled three years ago that Wright incompetent to stand trial and Nowak and Phillips argued that from a cognitive standpoint Wright is in the same position. They also stated that the doctor the prosecution chose to assess Wright went out of his way to mention laughing or good times with others to make the defendant’s approach toward investigators seem calculated to fool them..

Nowak and Phillips also stated that board games like Trouble and Chess are typically played by children and not a clear indicator of Wright’s competency. They presented a transcript from Wright’s high school. During his senior year he had a GPA of 0.75.

Judge Park requested additional time to review all the evidence presented to him before making a competency finding. Parties are expected to reconvene on Aug. 29.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 35 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant to 35 years in prison on July 25.

Dennis Chase, 33, was found guilty of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on Oct. 10, 2024. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of Anthony Orr on the 400 block of Xenia St, SE, on Dec. 7, 2020.

According to court documents, Chase shot Orr in the head while they were in a car together. Chase then dumped the body and attempted to hide evidence of the crime, including the car and his clothes.

The prosecution said Orr’s mother had appeared in court virtually for fear of retribution, especially after testifying against Chase. Orr’s mother chose not to give a victim impact statement and asked the court not to look differently on the case because of her absence.

The prosecution requested that Chase be sentenced to 45 years for first-degree murder, in light of his extensive criminal history and the fact that he committed the crime while charges were pending against him in another jurisdiction.

Chase’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, argued that the prosecution had not adequately demonstrated that his client deserved an additional 15 years of incarceration above the mandatory minimum sentence for first-degree murder.

Sukumar noted that only Chase and Orr knew what happened leading up to Orr’s death. He stated that Chase’s prior criminal history was not as violent as the prosecution portrayed it to be.

“30 years is already a large portion of a person’s life,” Sukumar said, requesting the minimum sentence for Chase

Chase opted out of making a statement to the court.

“I know that nothing I do here today can completely make up for what you lost and for that, I’m sorry,” Judge Okun told Orr’s family.

Judge Okun acknowledged the prosecution’s representations that Chase had a significant criminal history and the case against him was very serious. He concluded that 30 years was not an adequate sentence, especially since Chase committed the crime with charges pending against him.

Judge Okun also acknowledged that Chase had struggled with drug addiction for years and had a 12-year-old daughter.

For first-degree murder, Chase was sentenced to 35 years in prison and five years of supervised release.

Chase was also sentenced to 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 14 months for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, each with an accompanying sentence of 3 years of supervised release.

All charges are to run concurrently, and Chase must register as a gun offender upon release.

No further dates were set.

Suspect Arraigned For Teen Homicide, Release Denied

A murder defendant was formally read the charges against him in an arraignment via a Webex remote connection in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on July 25.

Tariq White, 27, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, destruction of property less than a $1000, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that killed Devon Sharp, 16. The incident took place on May 18, 2024, on the 1200 block of V Street, NW

During the hearing, Kevin O’Sullivan, White’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges. White is currently in North Carolina after being released in 2024.

O’Sullivan had motioned to extend the curfew for White to 12 a. m. to 6 a. m., instead of 10 p. m.-to 6-a.m., citing White’s limited criminal history, strong family support, and was a standout in the military in North Carolina.

The prosecution objected since White is “facing the most serious charges” possible. They also mentioned how many individuals in White’s own family disagreed with his release initially.

Judge Park ultimately denied the motion and agreed with the prosecution, citing the severity of the charges and facts of the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sep. 10.

Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant Under Youth Act, Suspends Jail Time

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe gave a shooting defendant a suspended sentence of nine months in prison and required him to serve one year of probation in a July 25 hearing.

Dayquan Henderson, 23, pleaded guilty on May 5 to unlawful discharge of a firearm and misdemeanor possession of an unregistered firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE, on May 11, 2024. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, the prosecution acknowledged Henderson had no prior convictions but cited a substantial history of firearm-related arrests and multiple curfew violations while on pretrial release. They pushed for GPS monitoring and a five-year probation period.

Daniel Kovler, Henderson’s attorney, attributed the curfew breaches to minor delays returning from work and a single instance of Henderson’s helping his mother with groceries. Kovler argued that Henderson’s past arrests were irrelevant, since they never led to charges.

Kovler requested nine-month concurrent sentences for Henderson’s two charges, with one year of supervised probation. He asked that Henderson be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, a DC law designed to give individuals under the age of 25 a chance at rehabilitation rather than incarceration. It allows judges to impose lighter sentences and seal records in certain cases, if the defendant fulfills the court’s conditions.

Judge Pipe agreed the prior arrests were not relevant and acknowledged Henderson’s general compliance. She noted the incident occurred while Henderson’s family was under threat, although she emphasized he still acted inappropriately.

Judge Pipe sentenced Henderson under the Youth Act, specifying that his charges will be sealed if he completes 90 hours of community service. She gave him concurrent nine-month suspended sentences for his two charges.

Henderson must serve one year of probation, plus one day of supervised release for the charge of unlawful discharge of a firearm. He is not required to wear a GPS monitor, but he must register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set in this case.

‘We Did Not Invite Violence Into Our Literal Doorstep,’ Say Victims at Carjacker’s Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a carjacking defendant to 15 years incarceration in a July 25 hearing.

James Borum, 22, was originally charged with conspiracy, three counts of armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and receiving stolen property worth $1,000 or more. He pleaded guilty to one count of armed carjacking for his involvement in the carjacking of a black Acura MDX on the 4700 block of Alton Place, NW, on Jan. 12, 2021.

The prosecution asked Judge Pipe to sentence Borum to 15 years in prison. In support of their request, they played 911 audio of the victims and read victim impact statements.

The Acura was carjacked from a family that had just come back from a road trip to New Jersey. The parents had just taken their young children inside the house when the defendant threatened them with a gun and stole their vehicle.

‘We did not Invite violence into our literal doorstep,’ said the victims in a statement read to the court.

“We have decided to move and sell the house we have spent years to be able to afford,” the statement continued.

Borum drove the stolen car at a speed exceeding 200 miles-per-hour until he totaled it, sustaining major injuries, including a broken collarbone. Police apprehended him while trying to flee on foot with the victims’ credit cards.

Borum’s defense attorney, Quiana Harris, asked Judge Pipe to sentence Borum to nine years in prison. She requested that this sentence run concurrently with Borum’s sentence in a separate case for armed carjacking in Maryland.

Harris explained that Borum was formerly a high school basketball player being scouted to play in college. After he witnessed the shooting death of his older brother during the COVID-19 pandemic, Borum experienced mental health issues and was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Harris said Borum was applying for every program offered in DC Jail, including Young Men Emerging, which offers group counseling, one-on-one mentoring, job training and educational programs to inmates aged 18-25.

Borum’s family was present at the sentencing and addressed the court.

“I’m fifty-three years old, and I don’t know if I will ever see my son on the streets again,” Borum’s father said.

Borum also addressed the court, expressing remorse over the incident and hope that he can move forward after serving his time.

“One mistake does not define who I am,” Borum said. “I hope you can show me mercy.”

Borum began to tear up as he detailed how his brother’s death affected him.

“He was my mentor and my role model,” Borum stated.

“This is not an easy sentencing,” said Judge Pipe. “It is clear Borum is not defined by his actions, but it is undeniable how much pain and trauma he left the victims with.”

She acknowledged Borum had a tremendous amount of potential and had shown maturity, but the nature of the case and his choice to commit another offense six months later were concerning.

Judge Pipe sentenced Borum to the mandatory minimum of 15 years, which will run concurrently with his sentence in Maryland. She required him to complete five years of supervised release and register as a gun offender.

At Harris’ request,Judge Pipe allowed Borum to delay starting his sentence until October so he can complete his General Education Diploma (GED).

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 27.

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