DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a homicide defendant to 21 years in prison in a hearing on June 26.
Dion Lee, 26, pleaded guilty on March 16 to second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Pamela Thomas on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Feb. 9, 2022. Thomas sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
As part of the plea deal, the parties agreed Lee would serve 19-to-21 years in prison.
The prosecution asked for Lee to be sentenced at the top of the sentencing range of 21 years of imprisonment. In video footage, the prosecutor walked through the timeline of the afternoon when the defendant exited his apartment engaging in “maneuvers” of walking back and forth, pulling his mask up, and then proceeding toward the park.
“What prompted the defendant to fire five shots,” the prosecution asked and questioned “what fear, if any” Lee had on “such a beautiful sunny day.” The prosecutor provided multiple views of the park, showing no visible threats in the area, or in Lee’s direction.
The prosecution continued that it was clear Lee had the intent to kill or seriously injure someone that day, even if it wasn’t necessarily Thomas, an innocent victim who was in the car with her seven-year-old son while her sister was driving the car.
Thomas’ sister, who drove the car, provided a victim impact statement on behalf of her family, expressing how each and every one of them hoped to be there, but she felt responsible to speak up as she was in the car and jumped out with Thomas’ son when the shots were fired.
“I’m not mad, I’m not angry, just sad,” she said.
She spoke about how Thomas’ son has grown significantly from the incident and she said she is extremely grateful he didn’t let the murder ruin his full and bright future.
Lee’s attorney, Molly Bunke, expressed that in the six months she has represented Lee she could confidently say he knows the pain he caused not just his family but to Thomas’ family as well. Bunke explained that nothing could remove the pain and Lee never minimized that his actions caused such great harm. She focused on Lee’s growth and emphasized that “each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
According to Bunke, Lee’s family described him as “reliable, responsible” and loved by his family and friends. Bunke continued that Lee did not feel safe in his community but she didn’t pick apart the video and photo evidence from prosecutors. She explained that her words were to provide context and not an excuse on Lee’s behalf.
Bunke agreed with the prosecution’s recommended sentence of 21 years but wanted two of those years suspended. She explained that it would be “something to work toward” and “something to earn.” In addition, Lee also would have the opportunity for rehabilitation.
After Bunke concluded, Lee made a statement reiterating his apologies to Thomas’ family and everyone affected. He acknowledged the trauma and hurt he caused her son and sister as witnessed and addressed that this was a horrible mistake that he also has to live with.
Judge Park concluded the sentencing by expressing the “facts speak for themselves.” He said he believes while Lee may not have intended to kill Thomas, he went out that day with the intent to seriously harm or kill someone. The judge acknowledged Lee’s considerable support system which was evident in the courtroom.
Judge Park said he was aware that Lee’s “son will lose his father because of the sentence, but that is the consequences for his actions.”
After Lee’s prison sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release and register as a gun offender in DC.
No further dates were set.
