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Murder Defendant Remains Mentally Incompetent

A report from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) deemed that a murder defendant remains mentally incompetent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 1.

Charles Lee, 29, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the murder of 65-year-old David Dowdell that occurred on March 9, 2022, on the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

Lee is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed in connection with a stabbing on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE on Feb. 15, 2021. 

A report from Lee’s behavioral evaluator at Saint Elizabeths hospital stated that Lee remains incompetent to stand trial. The report described that, while Lee is making progress toward competency, the doctor “could not say with medical certainty how soon he would regain competency.” 

In order to stand trial, a defendant must have the mental competence to understand the charges he faces and help his lawyer defend the case.

DBH is hesitant to suggest that more medication or alternative medication would improve the likelihood of Lee’s regaining competency.

Lee has been compliant with treatment. The defendant appeared virtually. 

The judge ordered three more months of restoration efforts. The prosecution plans to consult another medical expert to evaluate the defendant’s competency. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 5.

‘I Don’t Want to Lock You Up,’ Judge Warns Probation Violator

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan gave a stabbing defendant 30 days to become compliant with her probation requirements on Aug. 1.

Donnell Jackson, 32, was found guilty and sentenced for threats to do bodily harm, simple assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, in connection with her involvement in a stabbing at the intersection of Nannie Helen Burroughs and Eastern Avenues, NE on Nov. 16, 2023.

A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) reported that Jackson has not been in full compliance on probation. Jackson tested positive for methamphetamines and PCP. Jackson has occasionally failed to report for drug testing, but reports to test the following day.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, explained that the positive test for methamphetamines were from the defendant’s ADHD medication. 

Judge Ryan informed Jackson that she needs to bring her prescriptions with her to CSOSA to explain any potential discrepancies in drug testing. He noted that Jackson is familiar with the criminal justice system and “is too smart to be in the position that she is in now.”

Additionally, the CSOSA representative was unsure if Jackson had already completed an anger management class during incarceration. Jackson plans to show CSOSA her certificate of completion. 

Judge Ryan gave Jackson 30 days to get back into compliance with her probation, specifically instructing her to avoid illicit drug use and sort out the anger management class completion issue with CSOSA. He warned Jackson that she has more than enough problems for him to re-sentence her.

“I don’t want to lock you up,” Judge Ryan told Jackson. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 4. 

Stabbing Defendant Held After Waiving Prelim

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied a request for a stabbing defendant’s release on Aug. 1 after the defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Andre Thomas, 55, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on the 1800 block of 7th St, NW, on July 29.

Since Thomas waived a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him ,Judge Hildum found probable cause Thomas committed the crime and send the case to a grand jury immediately.

Thomas’ attorney, Lola Ziadie, asked Judge Hildum to release her client pending trial. She argued Thomas was a victim in the incident, since he had also been stabbed during the altercation on July 29.

In support of her request for Thomas’ release, Ziadie noted that he had employment. She said Thomas’ wife worked as a mental health provider who could ensure he received proper treatment for his diagnosed mental health conditions while on release. 

The prosecution opposed releasing Thomas, since he was accused of a crime of violence in which the victim was stabbed twice and had to receive stitches. The prosecution also mentioned that Thomas had an extensive criminal history, including domestic violence offenses.

Judge Hildum acknowledged the seriousness of the offense and Thomas’s domestic violence history. He also noted Thomas’ positive test results for multiple drugs in his system upon his arrest.

With this in mind, Judge Hildum denied Thomas’ release for the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 7.

Defense Wins Trial Delay for DNA Tests in Carjacking Case 

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur postponed a carjacking trial on July 31 to allow the defense more time for DNA testing.  

Miquel Beasley, 22, is charged with armed carjacking in connection with an incident that occurred on March 22, 2024, on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE.

According to court documents, Beasley entered the victim’s vehicle for a marijuana transaction that allegedly escalated when Beasley pulled out a handgun. He then allegedly forced the victim out of the vehicle before fleeing the scene in it.

Beasley’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, requested a new trial date, arguing that the prosecution had handed over the results of their second round of DNA testing too close to the original trial scheduled for the next week. King stated she didn’t have enough time for her own experts to properly analyze the DNA evidence and asked the court to exclude the prosecution’s test results from the evidence to be presented at trial. 

The prosecutor countered that he had notified the defense as early as possible about the second round of DNA testing, and he couldn’t control how quickly the lab provided results. He maintained that he acted in good faith and argued that the additional testing was critical to the argument he planned to present at trial, as it included DNA swabs from the vehicle’s steering wheel and turning signal handle. 

Judge Arthur decided not to exclude the second round of DNA testing but granted the defense a delay of 45 days to find a new expert to analyze the additional DNA evidence. The trial date was pushed back to later this year.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 7. 

Psychologist Finds Stabbing Defendant Competent to Stand Trial, Malingering

A psychologist gave testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 1 regarding her 2023 report that found a stabbing defendant competent to stand trial while malingering in his representations of incompetence.

Davon Hodge, 29, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the stabbing of an incarcerated individual at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 18, 2023.

The prosecution called a psychologist employed by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) at Saint Elizabeths Hospital as an expert witness. She conducted a mental competency evaluation of Hodge in August of 2023.

The witness said Hodge was held at at the hospital 30 days for observation. His evaluation was based on records of his behavior made by medical staff during that period and by staff at DC Jail during his preceding period of detention there. It was also based on the witness’ interviews about Hodge, the results of diagnostic tests conducted by other clinicians, and the recordings of jail calls Hodge made that the witness reviewed.

The witness said Hodge was sent to Saint Elizabeths to have his mental competency evaluated because his attorney, Seth Schrager, was concerned that he couldn’t understand the judicial process well enough to participate in his own defense. 

According to the witness, Hodge had reported auditory hallucinations to the medical clinician at the DC Jail. He received antipsychotic medication on the basis of his self-report, even though the clinician didn’t see in Hodge’s behavior that is typical of people experiencing hallucinations.

The witness said one goal of her evaluation was to rule out malingering, which was suspected by another psychologist who evaluated Hodge before she did. The witness explained malingering as feigning symptoms of mental illness, or feigning lack of cognitive ability or legal knowledge, in order to accomplish a desired result. 

The witness stated in her report she had determined he was a malingerer. One reason for this finding was that Hodge described auditory hallucinations but wasn’t observed by any medical staff as experiencing that phenomenon.

Another reason was that the symptoms he described didn’t match the symptoms usually experienced by individuals suffering with mental illness. Additionally, his jail calls showed he understood the judicial process in ways he wouldn’t admit to during interviews. 

In one jail call the witness reviewed, Hodge said he wanted to stay at Saint Elizabeths instead of going to DC Jail. He reported that the witness had found him competent to stand trial, but his attorney was finding a different doctor who he hoped would help keep him institutionalized.

In interviews with the witness, Hodge replied, “I don’t know,” to questions about basic legal information, such as the name of his defense attorney or who was the defendant in his case. The witness said, in her experience evaluating hundreds of defendants, even those with severe mental illness could usually answer such questions. 

The prosecutor asked the witness to comment on an evaluation of Hodge produced by a psychologist hired by the defense. 

The witness said the other psychologist didn’t state a determination of whether Hodge was competent. In parts of her evaluation, she reported behaviors by Hodge that she identified as malingering, but she didn’t make a formal finding of malingering. 

According to the witness, the other psychologist concluded that Hodge receive medication to stabilize his symptoms of mental illness. The witness found the recommendation puzzling because Hodge was already on medication at the time of the evaluation, and no one, not even to the other psychologist, observed him to be symptomatic.

In cross-examination, Schrager confirmed with the witness that it’s possible for a defendant to be both incompetent and malingering at the same time. 

Schrager pointed out that the diagnostic tests for malingering that the witness cited in her evaluation of Hodge are considered screening tests. On their own, they don’t prove a defendant is malingering. Schrager mentioned other tests that are used to detect malingering and noted that Hodge hadn’t received those.

The witness responded that all tests for malingering must be combined with other evidence, such as interviews, observations, and jail calls, in order to arrive at a reliable determination.

Schrager confirmed with the witness that psychologists are not permitted by law to share the raw data from their tests with anyone but other psychologists trained in administering those tests. He asked for the witness and the psychologist he hired to share their raw data from Hodge with each other. 

The witness said she didn’t personally administer any tests and didn’t receive the raw data from the clinicians who administered them. She only read the test scores and the clinicians’ summaries. According to the witness, sharing the raw data would require a subpoena.

The prosecutor objected because subpoenaing the raw data would take more time, and cases become more difficult to prosecute.

Schrager said he would check with the psychologist he hired to see if she thought sharing the raw data was necessary. She is scheduled to testify at the next hearing in this case.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 5.

Suspected of Killing His Grandmother Defendant Incompetent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz postponed a murder defendant’s arraignment after deeming him mentally incompetent to stand trial on Aug. 1. A defendant cannot stand trial unless he understands the charges against and can work with his lawyer in crafting a defense. Behavioral experts are often able to restore a defendant’s competence so the trial can proceed.

Christopher Holness, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his grandmother, 83-year-old Sandra Mundle, which occurred on Jan. 17 on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW. 

According to court documents, Holness and Mundle were both in the apartment when officers arrived at the scene. Mundle was reported to have sustained multiple injuries, including 13 stab wounds to the chest, lacerations to her right arm, and bruising around her eyes.

During Holness’ mental observation hearing, Judge Kravitz told the parties he had reviewed the report issued by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on July 31, which stated that Holness was mentally incompetent to stand trial. 

Neither the prosecutor nor Holness’ defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, objected to DBH’s finding. 

Judge Kravitz agreed with the findings in the DBH report and deemed Holness mentally incompetent to stand trial. Holness was scheduled to be arraigned the same day, but Judge Kravitz decided to delay his arraignment until he was found to be competent to stand trial. He ordered Holness to continue his competency restoration services at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 10.

‘All I Am Asking Is That You Try,’ Judge Tells Murder Defendant to Avoid Drugs

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt encouraged a fatal-shooting defendant to make an effort in a drug treatment program on Aug. 1. 

William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW, on May 14, 2021. 

During the hearing, Judge Brandt said she was glad that Mr. Davenport was complying with some of release conditions but not avoiding illegal illegal drugs.

“I recognized it’s a struggle,” Judge Brandt said about his drug problem. “It won’t get fixed or cured overnight.” 

Defense attorney Jason Tulley informed the court that Mr. Davenport had begun outpatient treatment due to a series of positive drug tests. 

Judge Brandt told Mr. Davenport, “All I am asking is that you try.” 

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19. 

‘Don’t Lose Hope, Mr. Miles,’ Judge Says After Maximum Murder Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt gave a murder defendant the maximum sentence, 15 years of incarceration, during a hearing on Aug. 1. 

Deandre Miles, 30, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property worth $1,000 or more. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Davon Fuller on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, on Oct. 16, 2023. 

At a previous hearing, Miles’ defense attorneys, Kevin Robertson and Kyle McGonigal, informed Judge Brandt that Miles had accepted a plea deal. The terms required Miles to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and malicious destruction of property, in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. Parties agreed to a sentencing range of seven-to-15 years of incarceration. 

Davon Fullers’ family expressed their opposition to the sentencing range in their victim statements to the court. 

Fuller’s youngest sister told Judge Brandt the family still experiences great anger and sadness. She said the sentencing range feels like “a slap in the face” and “a joke.”

Fuller’s stepfather told Judge Brandt he was speaking “straight from the heart” to oppose the sentencing range because “these types of people are a threat to themselves and others.” 

Fuller’s oldest sister complained that there are “many loopholes” in the justice system for murderers. She expressed grief and disbelief that her other brother was imprisoned for 19 years for a crime in which no one was injured, while the sentence for Fuller’s murder was capped at 15 years.  

Judge Brandt acknowledged each of Fuller’s family members’ statements and told them how sorry she was for their loss. 

The prosecutor asked Judge Brandt to impose the maximum sentence arguing that Miles had many opportunities to walk away from the situation but chose not to. 

Robertson asked for the minimum sentence because Miles confessed “the truth without any evidence.” He said Miles wanted to address the court to express how “he wishes he could go back.”

Miles thanked Judge Brandt for letting him have the opportunity to speak. He offered his “deepest apologies” to the Fuller family and his own family as well, and said that he regrets continuing Black-on-lack violence. 

Miles told the court that his past trauma influenced his life, and he is getting mental health treatment while incarcerated. He said he is not the same person he used to be, and he is trying to become a better man by making use of the resources available in prison. 

“Please allow me to prove my redemption,” Miles said to Judge Brandt.

Judge Brandt thanked Miles for his words and expressed regret that people have to be incarcerated to get help. She acknowledged both the healing and the hurt in the courtroom, experienced by the defendant and the family of the victim. 

The judge sentenced Miles to 15 years of incarceration for voluntary manslaughter while armed, to run concurrently with a sentence of 12 months for destruction of property worth $1,000 or more.   

Judge Brandt concluded the hearing with the words, “Don’t lose hope, Mr. Miles.” 

No further dates were set in this case. 

Judge Spars With Shooting Defendant For Being Absent in Court

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld persuaded a non-fatal shooting defendant to attend a court hearing on Aug. 1 after multiple refusals to appear,, then presented him with reasons to continue showing up.

Rashid Shabazz, 36, pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2024, to unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 4, 2024, on the 5000 block of Banks Place, NE.

At the hearing, Shabazz greeted Judge Hertzfeld with energetic goodwill over the court’s video conferencing platform.

“Anticipating that Mr. Shabazz would not get on the bus, I arranged with [an officer] at the jail to have him appear by video,” Judge Hertzfeld explained to the prosecution and defense attorneys.

Susan Borecki, Shabazz’ attorney, repeated her request from previous hearings to be dismissed from representing Shabazz, since he refuses to communicate with her and has asked to represent himself. 

Judge Hertzfeld repeated her previous refusal to rule on Borecki’s request. 

Judge Hertzfeld told Shabazz, if he wants to represent himself, he must do it in the courtroom. If he doesn’t appear in person at the next hearing, she’ll consider that he’s abandoning the request for self-representation.

One of the cases in which Shabazz is charged has a 100-day time limit to go to trial. Judge Hertzfeld told Shabazz that, when he fails to attend a court hearing, the time until the next hearing won’t count toward that limit.

“Do you understand that, Mr. Shabazz?” Judge Hertzfeld asked. 

“Yes, ma’am,” he responded with enthusiasm.

Parties are next scheduled to meet on Aug. 12.

Stabbing Defendant in ‘Dire Situation’ For Mental Crisis

A stabbing defendant was granted a mental health screening and placed on medical alert by DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover during an Aug. 4 hearing. 

Devyn Cyphers, 27, faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon for her alleged involvement in a July 31 stabbing on the 300 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. One individual was injured in the neck during the incident.

Court documents state Cyphers told police during an interview on the day of the incident that she thought she was experiencing a mental health episode, since she did not recall the attack.

At the hearing, defense attorney Elliott Queen requested a forensic evaluation to determine Cyphers’ mental condition. Queen called it a “dire situation” because Cyphers had been placed on suicide watch the previous night.

Cyphers’ mother, who traveled from Texas, was present in court. 

The next hearing in this case is slated for Aug. 8.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspects in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking suspects involved in a shooting that occurred on July 4 in SW DC. A vehicle was targeted near P Street and Carrollsburg Place, and the suspects fled the scene. A man later sought treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, and his vehicle, damaged by gunfire, was recovered. The suspects were captured on surveillance cameras.

Defendant Held After Self-Inflicted Wound in Domestic Shooting

A suspect in a domestic shooting remained in jail following a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on July 31.

Michael Dais, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly threatened his wife with a gun on July 26 at their residence on the 1500 block of Erie St., SE.

According to court documents, Dais and the victim had were arguing about infidelity and during the dispute Dais pointed a gun at her. A physical altercation ensued resulting in Dais’ being shot in the right hand. Multiple children were present during the incident, one of whom called the police for assistance at the victim’s request.

Defense attorney Stephen LoGerfo alerted Judge Hildum of Dais’ intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence and argued for Dais’ release. He said Dais has strong family connections who he could live with and is employed. He argued that while Dais does have a criminal history, it is dated and consists mostly of possession cases. He has a record of compliance on release including in his current probation in Georgia.

LoGerfo argued the victim’s story that the shooting was self-inflicted by Dias mitigates her responsibility for what happened. He further argued that the testimony of the child who called 911 should be viewed with skepticism as the victim would have had the chance to color what she said.

The prosecution responded that Dais was carrying a weapon during an argument, brandished it against the victim while multiple children were present, and threatened both her and the children. The victim also testified that she was fearful, saying Dais had recently strangled her.

The prosecution emphasized Dais’ criminal history, arguing it worse than LoGerfo implied. Though much of Dais’ record dates back to the 1990s and 2000s, he was released on a 2015 robbery case in Georgia in 2022 for which he is still on probation. He is also charged with an escape in 2022.

Judge Hildum ruled that Dais be held. A plea offer from the prosecution is on the table though the terms were not disclosed.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 13.

‘I Would Have Given Him All The Breaks in The World,’ Says Judge at Teen Shooter’s Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a teenage shooting defendant to 19 months of incarceration and revoked his current probation status, rejecting the defense’s request that he be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Aug. 1.

On April 2, Antuan Myles, 19, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful discarding of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Dec. 19, 2024, on the 5200 block of Blaine Street, NE. There were no injuries.

Myles was on probation for a misdemeanor drug possession case at the time of the incident. Judge Pipe, who had also sentenced Myles in his misdemeanor case, stated that at the time she chose to give him a chance to have a clean adult record as the offense was “very simple… inconsequential.”

Judge Pipe stated that she was going to reinstate Myles’ misdemeanor sentence disregarding her earlier action. Miles attorney in that case, Elliot Queen, was allowed to make a statement commenting, “It’s recklessness… but it appears that its youthful recklessness.”

The prosecution asked that Myles’ probation be revoked on his misdemeanor case and that the previously waived ten days of incarceration be reinstated with six months probation. On the felony case, they asked for a sentence of 19 months with three years supervised release each for carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discarding of a firearm and for a sentence of nine months with three years of supervised release for unlawful discharge. They requested that sentences run concurrently.

Defense attorney Emma Mlyniec asked for a sentence that would return Myles to the community under the YRA, which allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.  She asked for initial detention with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) followed by supervised release.

Mlyniec argued “he’s been through a lot” and has shown to be resilience through a difficult childhood. She informed the court that Myles’ older brother was murdered while he was in juvenile custody. This affected him when he returned home Mlyniec said, causing him to look for support to older, “antisocial peers.”

Mlyniec also noted that Myles was wrongfully accused and incarcerated in a case in Maryland, significantly undermining his juvenile release. Still, prior to this offense, he held two jobs as a mechanic and was progaressing toward community college.

“He was certainly trying and he was certainly showing progress,,” Mlyniec said and that his DYRS mentors were willing to take him back.

Myles apologized to the court, his family, and community saying he took full responsibility for his actions before Judge Pipe determined his sentence.

The judge sentenced Myles per the prosecution’s request of 19 months with three years supervised release each for carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discarding of a firearm and nine months with three years of supervised release for unlawful discharge all to run concurrently.

She argued their request was generous and said, “if they were asking for more [time], I would have been inclined to give him more.”

Judge Pipe got emotional in the sentencing saying, “I would have given him all the breaks in the world” had he not shown himself to be such a danger to the community. She argued that deferring to the YRA is not appropriate in this case as Myles clearly has been unable to appreciate the consequences of his actions.

No further dates were set.

Suspect Stays Jailed in Neighborhood Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied release for a defendant who allegedly attempted to shoot hisneighbor, during a hearing on July 29. 

Juwan Russell, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property less than $1,000 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 25, on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE. 

Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein argued for Russell’s release, stating that he allegedly tried to shoot his neighbor’s car but missed and hit an unoccupied vehicle leaving no one injured. She also stated that if released on GPS monitoring, the defendant could live with his mother in a different part of the city, so that he would not have to come in contact with the victim. 

The prosecution opposed and said nothing has changed since DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan ruled against releasing Russell on July 14.  They also stated that Russell is charged with firearms charges and video footage captures Russell allegedly committing the shooting. 

Judge Salerno stated that Russell had repeated altercations with the victim; there were four expended cartridge casings at the scene allegedly proving he tried to shoot at someone, and a distinctive yellow hoodie was found in Russell’s bedroom that surveillance footage shows the shooter was wearing..

Ultimately, he agreed with Judge Nolan’s ruling and decided to hold the defendant. 

Parties are expected to reconvene Aug. 25.

Young Carjacker Pleads Guilty

A carjacking defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on July 31.

Amiya Hilliard, 20, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in attempting to steal a motor vehicle using force while in possession of a firearm on Nov. 5, 2024, on the 4900 Block of Jay Street, NE. 

Hilliard pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking and carrying a pistol without a license outside of her home or business. As part of the plea agreement, all other charges were dismissed and the prosecution will not seek an indictment.

The carjacking charge has a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, with a maximum of 21 years. 

Hilliard’s defense attorney, Elizabeth White, requested Judge Pipe consider sentencing Hilliard under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 10.