Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty, Claiming Imperfect Self-Defense

By Elizabeth Bernstein , Lucy Orgolini - September 9, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting |

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Sept. 9. 

Daniel Mendoza, 23, was originally charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, twelve counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition while armed.

The charges stem from his involvement in a shooting that injured three individuals on June 27, 2023, on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW. 

During the hearing, Marc Eisenstein, Mendoza’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for dismissal of all other charges.

According to the prosecution, Mendoza fired seven shots creating a substantial risk of death and then fled on a bicycle. He did not act in self-defense when firing these shots say prosecutors.

Eisenstein said Mendoza believes he acted in fear and does not seek that legal justification but will argue for imperfect self-defense at sentencing. 

Mendoza agreed that his use of force was excessive despite being in fear.

Eisenstein requested Mendoza be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. 

The parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 31.