A defendant responsible for shooting 11 rounds at a victim for a fender bender was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 1 to 60 months of confinement.
On Feb. 10, Earl Harris, 45, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in a shooting that occurred at the intersection of 23rd and R Streets, SE on Aug. 21, 2025. No injuries were reported.
The incident, a fender bender gone awry, was a response in anger, according to Harris’ attorney Rachel Cicurel. She said Harris shot 11 times into the air, not to hurt anyone, but to warn the victim to “leave [him] alone.” She argued Harris would not have shot into the air if he intended to harm anyone.
Harris reportedly had not possessed a gun in more than 20 years. Cicurel said that in the time just before the incident, he became paranoid due to his existing mental health issues and spiraled downward, feeling he needed to protect himself. Cicurel argued for a lighter sentence, saying Harris has learned that any time he possesses a weapon either he or others get harmed.
Cicurel addressed Harris’ criminal history, saying it “wreaks of drug abuse” and emotional issues due to an unresolved traumatic experience as a child.
According to Cicurel, Harris’ mother was shot and killed by her boyfriend when Harris was just five-years-old. Cicurel claimed Harris’ grief went untreated, and said it is common for developmental issues to arise in people with a similar loss. She informed the court Harris was diagnosed with manic depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia, and went untreated until he was 30-years-old.
Cicurel stated Harris began abusing substances at the age of 13 and has since struggled with substance abuse.
Additionally, Harris was involved in a romantic relationship with a woman who was reportedly a source of stress and toxicity. Judge Brandt acknowledged the relationship, telling the parties Harris’ partner appeared before her on a bench warrant.
Cicurel argued for a year of confinement and for both charges to run concurrently. She also requested Harris be sent to FCI-Allenwood, a prison in Pennsylvania that has a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP).
Harris apologized to the court and thanked DC Jail for the substance abuse treatment they have provided him. Harris said he was addicted to fentanyl and cocaine.
“The day I was arrested was the day I was going nwhere fast,” Harris said.
Since then, Harris has worked toward sobriety and joined a Jehovah’s Witness Bible study group which has changed his life. When he is released, Harris intends to create a program for unhoused addicts to “keep them from going down the path I have.”
Harris thanked his father for his continued support given that at age 72, “he needs my support more than I need his.”
The prosecution presented two videos of the incident for Judge Brandt. The videos depicted the accident, Harris escalating the situation, shooting at the victim, and subsequently pursuing the victim as they drove away.
The prosecution emphasized their concern about the severity of Harris’ actions, informing the court the shooting was near a school where teachers were preparing for the children’s arrival. They argued the 11 shots fired were certainly with the intent to kill.
The prosecution suggested a sentence of 78 months of confinement.
Judge Brandt, after hearing the parties’ arguments, expressed sympathy to Harris for the loss of his mother. However, she stated, “I see the situation you found yourself in a different way.”
“It’s not about why you had the gun, but about what you did with the gun,” she said. Judge Brandt continued, saying shooting a handgun 11 times is not right and “not how adult humans settle their differences.” She said bystanders could have been put in harm’s way.
She acknowledged Harris’ effort and considered that in her sentencing. “I both see and hear you. I am proud of the fact that instead of just sitting in jail and not doing anything, you have made progress in turning your life around,” Judge Brandt said.
Judge Brandt imposed a 36 months sentence for the unlawful possession of a firearm charge, and 60 months for the assault charge, which will be served concurrently. Harris is also required to serve five years of supervised release, and must register as a gun offender.
No further dates were set.
