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By
Marissa Stambaugh
- November 25, 2024
Daily Stories
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Shooting
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Suspects
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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a 22-year-old defendant to 11 months of incarceration for wounding a police office in a Nov. 22 hearing.
William Walker, 22, pleaded guilty to fleeing a law enforcement officer in connection to a shooting that injured an off-duty police officer on the 620 block of Oglethorpe Street, NW on May 20. This incident was allegedly committed with codefendant 21-year-old Rasheed Thorne who was charged with possession during a crime of violence.
Walker previously accepted a plea deal to the charge of fleeing a law enforcement officer in return for the dismissal of an assault with a dangerous weapon charge. Parties agreed on a sentencing guideline of six-to-24 months of incarceration.
During the hearing, the prosecution requested that Walker receive 12 months with three years of supervised release because they believe that a split sentence with probation was not appropriate in this case. They cited Walker’s multiple probation violations, and argued that the impact on the victim has been severe enough to permanently affect his vision and his ability to return to work.
Defense attorney Howard McEachern requested that a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentence be invoked, arguing that jail has given him time to mature and think about his decisions. The YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. Walker stated he wants to return to college and finish his degree.
McEachern asked the judge to consider his factor of youth and responsibility and either give Walker the YRA sentence with a short split with probation or if a straight sentence is imposed to give the bottom of the sentencing guidelines of six months.
Judge Salerno denied the YRA sentencing request since the defendant has three prior gun offenses, previous probation violations, and a warrant for failure to appear. The judge stated these actions show that the defendant is not ready for probation alone.
The judge sentenced Walker to 11 months of incarceration with one year of supervised release.
No further dates are set.