Shooting Defendant Reluctantly Agrees to Plea Deal

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A 2023 shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 13.

Dontrell Harrison, 47, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on April 17, 2023. The incident occurred on the 2100 block of I Street, NE.

Additionally, Harrison was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in a stabbing that took place on the 300 block of Livingston Terrace, SE, on April 22, 2024.

During the hearing, Harrison accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill stemming from the shooting, and simple assault stemming from the stabbing, in exchange for all other charges being dropped and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a 96 month sentence for assault with intent to kill, which will run concurrently to the 180 days for simple assault.

According to court documents, Harrison had attacked a victim with a knife before being subdued by the victim’s son. The victim’s son identified the defendant as his cousin.

Harrison raised small objections as the plea terms were being read, saying “I don’t agree with the wording, but it’s what I agreed to,” further elaborating that he did not have the intent to kill the victim in the shooting.

However, after being allowed further discussions with Errin Scialpi, Harrison’s attorney, he rescinded his objections and fully accepted the plea agreement. “There’s no issue,” said Harrison.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Aug. 22.