Shooter Asks for Sentencing Delay to Complete Diploma

By Maggie Rhoads [former] - July 22, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan delayed sentencing a shooting defendant on July 19 to determine how he will continue his education while incarcerated.

On Feb. 9, Eric Lemus, 20, accepted an agreement extended by the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident, which injured two on March 22, 2023, on the 1000 block of Park Road, NW.

According to court documents, both victims were riding bikes.

One victim was not injured while the other sustained three gunshot wounds to the chest, right arm and thigh. He was transported to the hospital where he received treatment and later recovered, as per court documents. 

When Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived on scene, Lemus told them the two victims tried to rob him but three other witnesses contradicted his statements. MPD officers arrested Lemus at the scene.

During the hearing, Lemus’ defense attorneys, Steven Ogilvie and Shawn Sukumar, requested Lemus stay at the DC jail after sentencing so he can earn his diploma. 

They said Lemus is part of the School Justice Project which allows defendants with special education needs to continue their education. They said if Lemus is moved to another prison he would lose all of his credits. 

The attorneys also said Lemus is on track to finish by the fall of 2025 and requested members of the School Justice Project be appointed to the case as well.

The prosecution objected arguing the victims deserve closure. 

Judge Raffinan ruled to continue the sentencing and hear additional arguments from the defense and prosecution regarding Lemus’ education status. 

Parties will reconvene on Aug. 21.