DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe repeatedly checked on a shooting defendant during a Sept. 26 hearing, concerned whether he was competent enough to accept a plea deal.
Delonte Brown, 30, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one person. The incident occurred on June 7 on the intersection of 11th and U Streets, NW.
During the hearing, he accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. In exchange, all other charges were dropped and the prosecution agreed to deliver their arguments and recommendations upon sentencing, not seek to raise the maximum sentence based on the defendant’s prior convictions, have the defendant held in custody, or seek an indictment.
“You seem a little sedated today,” Judge Pipe told Brown, unsure if Brown was clear-headed enough to decide on the plea deal.
In order to stand trial, a defendant must show enough mental competence to understand the charges and help his attorney defend the case.
Throughout the hearing, Brown mumbled his responses, causing Judge Pipe to ask him to repeat himself.
“I do know Mr. Brown’s baseline,” Judge Pipe said, insisting he seemed off.
Brown’s defense attorney Susan Ellis clarified that Brown, who was in a wheelchair, was experiencing immense physical pain. However, she spoke with him beforehand, and he said he wanted to proceed.
“I know Mr. Brown has a number of medical [concerns],” Judge Pipe replied.
The prosecution said that on the day of the crime Brown unjustifiably responded to a comment the victim made by calling him a slur. After overhearing the victim laughing, Brown began shooting at him, The prosecutor maintained that Brown escalated the situation and his “actions were voluntary” and have no legal justification.
Judge Pipe stated “he’s clearly tired and out of it” but believed he was conscious enough to plead.
Parties are slated to reconvene for a full report and sentencing on Dec. 12.
