Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 11 Years

By Sadie Herman [former] - January 16, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On Jan.12, a non-fatal shooting defendant was sentenced to 11 years incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. 

Vincent James, 39, was convicted by a jury of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident. 

The prosecution began by arguing that James should be sentenced to the top of the guidelines for his crimes, which would be 11 years. They explained that the surveillance video of the shooting was shown multiple times in trial, and it is clearly James on the video. The prosecution stated that James is not “18, 19, or 20 years old and trying to find the ways of the world, he is a grown man”. 

The prosecution also argued that James has twenty years of arrests, dating back to 2004. In addition to this, the prosecution referenced the arrests that James picked up while this case was still pending, saying he was convicted of a DUI during this time. They also referenced a close link that James has between alcohol and violent behavior, saying “the defendant hasn’t fully appreciated and learned what’s going on with his admitted anger and alcohol problem”. 

The prosecution closed their argument by stating that James has yet to accept any responsibility for his actions in this case, and requested that the court give him the highest of the guidelines, 11 years, for his sentencing.

James’ defense attorney, Susan Ellis, argued to the court that James should receive the lower end of the sentencing guidelines, which would be five years. Ellis emphasized that the full story of what happened during the shooting will never be known. She also referenced the abundance of trauma that James has experienced in his life, including the murder of his brother and stepmom, abusive foster care experience, and being bullied as a child. 

Ellis insisted that James has been steadily employed for most of his adult life, and that he will have a very strong family support system upon his release from incarceration. She further argued that five years is a sufficient sentence for James, and requested to the court that it be the sentence they impose. 

Judge O’Keefe then described James as a “very mild mannered, quiet, and serious person”. He explained that “even though it’s clearly you on that video, you took it to trial, and made the prosecution jump through all the hoops”. He then stated that he has “no basis to cut [James] a break”. 

After making these statements, Judge O’Keefe sentenced James to 11 years, with five years of supervised release, for the charge of aggravated assault knowingly while armed. As well as eight years, with three years of supervised release, for the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Lastly, he sentenced James to three and a half years, with three years of supervised release, for the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict. All of these charges will run concurrently. 

Judge O’Keefe then explained that upon release from incarceration, James will have to comply with certain release conditions, such as GPS monitoring and substance abuse testing, as well as registering as a gun offender.

No further dates are set in this case.