Shooting Defendant Given a Second Chance After Three Weeks in Jail

By Natalie Note - October 7, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

A shooting defendant was re-released on probation after spending three weeks at the DC Jail for violating the conditions of his parole before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 4. 

On Dec. 20, 2022, Davon Easton, 31, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the shooting of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer at the 1300 block of Spring Road, NW on Jan. 23, 2022. 

According to court documents, MPD officers noticed Easton walking and said he had a “visible reaction to police presence before walking away.” The officers followed Easton to try and make contact with him and when they were able to stop him, Easton allegedly fired at the officers. 

One officer sustained a graze wound to the forehead and left hand. 

Easton, who served 30 months in prison, had previously been released on probation until Judge Okun received a report that he had failed to comply with his conditions . On Aug. 27, Judge Okun issued an finding saying Easton’s probation officer had reported Easton failed to drug test and report as ordered. 

On Sept. 6, Judge Okun issued a bench warrant for Easton who failed to show up for the hearing and on Sept. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, Easton’s probation was revoked. 

At the Oct. 4 hearing, Easton’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, told the court that Easton’s circumstances have changed. O’Sullivan argued that when Easton was on probation previously, he had moved in with a friend who lived in a neighborhood that was unfamiliar to him. Now, Easton has the opportunity to move in with his girlfriend who O’Sullivan described as a “stabilizing force.” 

O’Sullivan also said Easton had a job waiting for him and parents that have been ill that Easton would like to assist them.

Easton’s girlfriend addressed the court, saying there are a lot of people that need him, including her children, one of whom is Easton’s son. 

The prosecution argued that Easton’s previous probation violations indicate a “continued pattern” of failure to comply with release conditions. They said Easton does not have an incentive to get into compliance if he is released again. O’Sullivan said Easton’s three weeks in jail are an incentive for him to comply. 

Judge Okun agreed with the defense citing the new environment as reason for new conditions. Easton will be released on probation with GPS monitoring and a curfew from 7 p. m. to 7 a. m.

Partied as slated to reconvene on Nov. 15.