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By
Madelyn Nall [former]
- December 2, 2024
Carjacking
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Daily Stories
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Robbery
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Suspects
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DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a carjacking defendant to 20 years total on Nov. 22.
DeAngelo Richardson, 22, pleaded guilty to armed carjacking and armed robbery for his involvement in the following series of armed robbery and carjacking incidents:
- Armed Carjacking on May 28, 2022 at 100 block of H Street NE
- Armed Robbery on May 29, 2022 at 1200 block of Wylie Street NE
- Armed Robbery on May 29, 2022 at 600 block of 10th Street NE
- Armed Robbery on May 29, 2022 at 1100 block of G Street NE
- Armed Robbery on July 1, 2022 at 1900 block of 3rd Street NW
- Armed Carjacking on July 14, 2022 at 400 block of L Street NE
- Armed Carjacking on July 14, 2022 at 1100 block of 6th Street NE
- Armed Carjacking on July 14, 2022 at 600 block of Morton Place NE
- Armed Robbery on July 26, 2022 at 800 block of D Street NE
- Armed Robbery on July 30, 2022 at 600 block of 5th Street NE
- Armed Robbery on July 31, 2022 at 1100 block of H Street NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 5, 2022 at 100 block of 4th Street NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 5, 2022 at Stanton Park NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 5, 2022 at 600 block of 3rd Street NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 5, 2022 at 100 block of K Street SE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 6, 2022 at 500 block of 7th Street NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 6, 2022 at 300 block of 10th Street NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 6, 2022 at 800 block of D Street NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 6, 2022 at 200 block of G Street SW
- Armed Robbery on Nov 10, 2022 at 70 block of U Street NW
- Armed Robbery on Nov 10, 2022 at 300 block of K Street SE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 12, 2022 at 500 block of 5th Street NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 12, 2022 at 400 block of G Street NE
- Armed Robbery on Nov 18, 2022 at 100 block of W Street NW
- Armed Robbery on Nov 26, 2022 at 1300 block of South Carolina Avenue SE
The prosecution read aloud three statements from Richardson’s carjacking victims.
The first victim was threatened at gunpoint, and robbed of her wallet, keys, and car. Richardson also did $7,000 dollars of damage to her car that insurance wouldn’t cover.
“The crime you committed has terrorized me every day,” the victim wrote. “I’m angry you taught me to be hypervigilant.”
Despite the pain he caused, the first victim wrote that she wanted a sentence, “in the spirit of long-term rehabilitation.”
The second victim wrote about her anxiety and fear she’s experienced after the crime. She wrote that she missed being able to go out with her friends without worrying about potential dangers.
The third victim was robbed on her birthday. She stated the day now serves as a reminder of when she was victimized by Richardson. In her statement, she wrote that she sincerely hopes Richardson will reflect on the consequences of his actions.
Afterward the prosecution asked for a sentence of 20 years. As part of Richardson’s plea agreement the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA)–which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements–was waived, and the act wasn’t a factor in sentencing.
Defense attorney Molly Bunke asked for the same sentence of 20 years, but her arguments on Richardson’s behalf were interrupted frequently by Judge Christian.
Bunke explained that for a 22 year old like Richardson, the 20 year sentence is incredibly long, since the sentence is equal to the life he lived until he was arrested.
“This warrants a life sentence,” interrupted Judge Christian. “I don’t think it’s long at all.”
Bunke stated people don’t have fully developed brains and can’t fully deliberate their actions until they’re 25-years-old.
Bunke also argued that Richardson’s proactive attitude and accountability shows his commitment to change and taking responsibilit. According to Bunke, he pleaded guilty before his preliminary hearing and he’s been taking advantage of education programs at the jail despite already having a high school diploma.
“That is what we hope for,” Bunke exclaimed.
“The system is not just for punishment,” Bunke stated, to which Christian interrupted, “This is the case for punishment.”
“People are not the worst things they’ve ever done,” Bunke stated, “[he’s] capable of change.”
Richardson apologized for the harm and trauma his actions caused. He stated he spent a lot of time thinking about the damage he did, and stated he is “working on bettering [himself].”
“I hope one day they can accept my apology and know I’m being sincere.” Richardson concluded.
Judge Christian sentenced Richardson to 15 years for armed carjacking, and five years for armed robbery, both to run consecutively to each other.
“This was a pretty good deal here for what was done,” Christian ended the sentencing.
No further dates have been set for this case.