DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe imposed a prison sentence for a defendant convicted of a shooting in a McDonald’s that left one injured.
Sean Sharps, 24, pleaded guilty on June 10 to assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 19. 2024 on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Ave SE.
At Sharps’ sentencing, Judge Pipe pronounced sentence for 2024 shooting in addition to an unrelated assault case.
Sharps’ attorney, Adam Harris, noted that CCTV video footage from the McDonald’s shows the victim acting aggressively towards Sharps. Harris also said Sharps claimed that the victim threatened Sharps by telling him he had a gun.
“Mr. Sharps wasn’t looking for trouble, he was looking for a hamburger,” Harris said.
The prosecution noted Sharps committed the shooting while he was on probation for an assault with significant bodily injury offense against the mother of his children. The prosecution also stated this was not the first time that Sharps had assaulted the mother of his children so severely that she needed medical attention.
“I love my kids with all my heart and want to continue being their biggest supporters,” Sharps said before he was sentenced.
Judge Pipe noted the severity of the assault, saying ,“The victim needed seven staples to her head because of the damage he caused her.”
Judge Pipe denied the defense’s request to sentence Sharps under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which provides leniency in sentencing for defendants under the age of 25 and the potential to have their convictions sealed with successful completion of requirements.
“At 24 he should be able to appreciate, somewhat, the consequences of his actions,” Judge Pipe said.
For the shooting, Judge Pipe sentenced Sharps to 18 months in prison. Sharps was also sentenced to 14 months of imprisonment for the assault. The sentences will run concurrently followed by three years of supervised release.
No further hearings were set.
