Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Two Years

By Adriana Marroquin - December 15, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

On Dec. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a defendant to two years imprisonment for his connection to a shooting. 

Kevon Robinson, 23, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that left one individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on May 25 on the 700 block of 20th Street, NE. 

Video footage referenced in Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents indicates that Robinson and another individual were traveling toward the victim on bicycles, and got off when a car passed by. 

According to court documents, the two individuals then noticed the victim, who had been talking briefly to the individuals in the car. Once they approached the victim, Robinson allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired multiple times, hitting the victim twice in the leg. 

On July 21, Robinson accepted a plea deal which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

During the sentencing, prosecutors requested Judge Epstein sentence Robinson to 39 months of incarceration, arguing that surveillance footage shows him willingly shooting at the victim. 

Johnathan Armstrong, Robinson’s defense attorney, argued Robinson perceived a danger from the vehicle near the victim. He argued that Robinson learned his lesson during his six month incarceration, claiming he “has had a sobering and hellish experience” at the DC Jail. 

According to Armstrong, Robinson has demonstrated his ability to be successful in the community and on probation, and has substantial support in the community, including family support. 

He requested Judge Epstein sentence Robinson to a short-split sentence of 12 months. According to the D.C. Sentencing Commission, a short-split is “ within the applicable prison range, suspends execution of all but six months or less (but not all) of it, and places the defendant on probation up to five years.”

Robinson told the court “I’m sorry for what I did to the victim,” and told Judge Epstein he’s ready to be a better person in the community. 

Judge Epstein stated “this is a very serious crime,” citing the seven gunshots fired by Robinson at the victim, and argued that fear does not justify his actions, especially when “gun violence is ticking in our community now.”

Judge Epstein sentenced Robinson under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which gives the court greater flexibility when sentencing defendants under the age of 25. If Robinson is successful with his sentencing requirements, his conviction will be set aside. 

Armstrong voiced his opposition to the two year sentence, arguing he’s worried of the impact the time in prison will have on Robinson, claiming he’s worried he will deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“Lots of young men in our community experience similar things as [Robinson], but they don’t go shooting at someone seven or eight times,” said Judge Epstein. 

“You did a bad thing that day, and the consequences should be the ones I said,” he stated.