‘This Isn’t How I Want to Live’ – shooting defendant asks for leniency

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 6, 2025
Court | Daily Stories | Juveniles | Non-Fatal Shooting | Probation | Robbery | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson imposed a partially suspended sentence for a shooting defendant on June 27.

On March 14, Marcus Cunningham, 20, pled guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred in Meridian Hill Park on 17th and Euclid Street, NW on April 23, 2024.

During sentencing, the prosecution described the crime as a “drug deal” gone wrong, adding that the situation could have gone much worse and Cunningham posed a danger to the community. The prosecution stated, “He should’ve never been there in the first place. The victims are probably going to be looking over their shoulder for the rest of their lives.” 

Cunningham’s attorney, Tammy Thom, rebutted the prosecution’s claim that he was a danger to the public. Thom argued that Cunningham had taken measures toward personal advancement by enrolling in a paralegal course at the University of the District of Columbia, seeking treatment for his substance abuse issues, participating in a cosmetology course, and painters course. 

Thom also pointed out that if released, Cunningham would have an abundance of family support, pointing to them in the audience.

“My family has always been my biggest source of support and motivation,” Cunningham told Judge Dayson, pleading to be able to return home. Cunningham also expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “This isn’t how I want to live. I made a mistake at 19.”

Judge Dayson acknowledged that Cunningham had taken responsibility for his actions and tried to use his detention in a productive manner. Additionally, she noted that Cunningham was 19 at the time of the incident and was not the shooter or “architect” in the robbery. 

Judge Dayson granted Cunningham’s request to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully fulfill all sentencing requirements. 

Cunningham was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration with all but 18 months suspended for assault with the intent to commit robbery. In addition, Cunningham was sentenced to 12 months of incarceration, suspended in its entirety, for carrying a pistol without a license. 

Judge Dayson also imposed three years of supervised release suspended in its entirety and 24 months of probation for both charge. Cunningham was ordered to pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.

Further, Judge Dayson told the court that Cunningham’s problems stemmed from not keeping himself occupied. She ordered that Cunningham enroll in full-time employment, vocational training, or educational coursework, stating, “You don’t need time on your hands, you need to be busy.”

No further dates were set.