Shooting Defendant’s Sentencing Delayed for Youth Act Consideration

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DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a shooting defendant’s request to delay sentencing in order to consider the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) as part of the sentencing, during an Aug. 2 hearing.

On April 8, Amontae McCalvin, 19, accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting incident on Sept. 8, 2023 on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

In exchange for his acceptance of the offer, the prosecution agreed not to indict him on greater charges, and only ask for a sentence between four and five-and-a-half years.

According to court documents, McCalvin shot 33 times at the victim and his girlfriend while they were inside a house. The victim was standing in the doorway at the time of the shooting and sustained a broken wrist.

During the hearing, McCalvin’s defense attorney, Brandi Harden, requested the YRA be taken into consideration when sentencing McCalvin. The YRA allows a defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Harden said this would mean the sentencing is delayed because Judge Arthur would need to request a youth study on McCalvin. Judge Arthur agreed with Harden and ordered the youth study.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 4 for sentencing.