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By
Emily Nordberg
- March 11, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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A non-fatal shooting defendant was sentenced to 72 months as a repeat offender before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 7.
On Nov. 22, 2024, Demonte Gibson, 27, was found guilty by jurors for two counts of possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and obstruction of justice, for his involvement in an armed robbery turned shooting on Dec. 7, 2021, on the 1400 block of Fairmont St NW, where one individual sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Gibson was acquitted of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The prosecution opposed sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would seal his conviction if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements, citing a history of non-compliance in a previous YRA case. Prosecutors argued that Gibson’s repeated firearm possessions reflected a pattern of reckless criminal behavior followed by acts of non-compliance.
Defense attorney Kevann Gardner countered that Gibson had only one prior conviction from nine years ago when he was still a minor. He argued that Gibson’s firearm possession stemmed from his trauma, as he had survived three separate shootings and was fearful for his life.
Gardner emphasized Gibson’s efforts at rehabilitation, noting that he had been incarcerated for two years and was now pursuing careers in barbering and firefighting, and requested the least amount of time possible.
Judge Park ruled that the YRA would not apply, stating that the incidents for which Gibson was found guilty were nearly a year apart and warranted consecutive sentencing. The defense’s claim that the same firearm may have been involved in both cases was dismissed due to the number of weapons recovered.
Gibson was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration for each firearm possession charge, served consecutively, with concurrent 12-month sentences for possession of large-capacity magazines, for a total of 72 months of incarceration. He must also register as a gun offender and pay $300 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.
No further dates were set.