‘Nice guys Can Do Bad Things, and Bad Things Have Consequences,’ Says Judge During Homicide Sentencing

By Audrey Staudacher , Mia Febles - February 22, 2024
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe sentenced a homicide defendant to 29 years in prison with five years of supervised release. 

Ravel Mills, 29, was originally charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020. 

On Oct. 3, 2023, following a weeks-long trial, Mills was convicted of the lesser included charge of second-degree murder while armed and all other charges. 

During the sentencing, the prosecution presented victim impact statements from Strong’s mother and stepfather. Both expressed grief over the loss of their son and the harm Mills had caused to their lives.

“We want to see justice served,” said Strong’s stepfather.

Strong’s mother agreed, stating, “Please give him the maximum time he deserves.”

The prosecution requested the court depart from the sentencing guidelines, which were between 12 and 24 years, due to the fact that Mills allegedly lied on the stand. They asked the court to sentence Mills to 35 years, including six extra years “to set an example for ignoring the oath he took.” 

“This was an attack upon this court and an attack on the judicial system itself,” the prosecutors said.

Mills’ defense attorneys, Kevin Mosley and Kevin O’Sullivan, opposed this sentence. They stated that Mills has experienced significant trauma in his life, yet despite this was, “a likable dude,” and “a very nice young man.” They argued he should only receive 18 years.

Mills himself was also given a chance to speak, and thanked the court for his trial. He said he understood he had to serve time, and that he planned on bettering himself while incarcerated.

Judge O’Keefe was unmoved by the defense’s statements. He ruled that 29 years would be sufficient for the charges and for “the preposterous story” Mills told the jury. 

“Nice guys can do bad things, and bad things have consequences,” said Judge O’Keefe.

Additionally, Judge O’Keefe required Mills participate in a grief counseling program and register as a gun offender two weeks after his release. 

No further dates were set.