Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Six-Month Sentence Suspended

By Hattie Saal [former] - July 26, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

In a July 26 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur initially sentenced defendant Bryan Turner to six months for his involvement in a 2023 non-fatal shooting. 

Turner, 21, was charged with one count of carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business in connection to a non-fatal shooting on April 24 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. The incident left Turner and another victim suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

He pled guilty to the charge in a May 31 hearing. 

Prior to the sentencing, defense attorney Howard X. McEachern emphasized Turner’s minimal criminal history and young age. McEachern requested a sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, a DC statute that grants judges more latitude than the normal sentencing guidelines in cases involving defendants under the age of 25. 

When asked by the judge if there was anything he’d like to say before the sentencing decision, Turner simply said, “I’ve been locked up for three months. I don’t want to go back.”

Judge Arthur suspended the entirety of the six-month sentence and imposed one-year of supervised probation in its place. Turner will be required to register as a gun offender, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and complete 90 hours of community service.