Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer for Shooting at His Uncle

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On July 11, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, a defendant involved in a non-fatal shooting accepted a plea offer in a domestic violence-related case.

Jaylon Deangelo Whack, 30, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for firing a single shot at his uncle following a verbal dispute in his relative’s home on May 29 on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE.

Whack, who is also known as Javon Whack, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Whack expressed hesitation when asked if he had received “any promise” about the sentence he would receive.

After Judge Leibovitz halted the hearing to give Whack time to speak with his defense attorney, Matthew Hertz, Whack maintained his plea of guilty and affirmed that he did not receive a promise regarding sentencing.

According to a proffer of facts, the prosecution would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that after getting into a verbal argument with his uncle, Whack fired a gun in the direction of his uncle.

Whack and his uncle were arguing in the dining room when he told his uncle, “I’ve got something for you,” the prosecutor said. After saying this, Whack went to the second floor of the residence and came back with a firearm.

The prosecution stated that a bullet hole was found under a window in the dining room.

Parties are scheduled to meet on Aug. 30 for sentencing.