Sentencing in Carjacking Case Delayed for Educational Purposes

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DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples granted a carjacking defendant’s request to delay sentencing to allow him to finish his education at the DC Jail during a June 18 hearing.

Marquis Funderburk, 21, pleaded guilty to carjacking on Dec. 15, 2023. He was originally charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, robbery while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking. The incident occurred on May 16, 2022, on the 2400 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Funderburk robbed the victim at gunpoint and took his car, phone, and other valuables.

At the sentencing hearing, Albert Amissah, Funderburk’s attorney, requested an educational hold on Funderburk’s sentencing. He urged Judge Staples to allow the defendant to remain in DC Jail to complete an educational program at Georgetown University that is scheduled to end in December.

The prosecution did not oppose this request, but mentioned they were unaware of how the court could move forward with this request as it is usually granted in juvenile cases.

Judge Staples requested additional time to investigate how to logically proceed with allowing the defendant to continue his education while in DC Jail, despite his case’s requirement for him to be sent to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

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