Victims’ Families Express Grief at Homicide Sentencing

By Yani Barrera [former] , Lexie Manning [former] - October 13, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Jalen Browne to 67-and-a -half years incarceration in connection to a homicide.

On July 21, following a jury trial, Browne, 22, was convicted of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Jovan Hill Jr and 19-year-old Tariq Riley on July 25, 2021, at the 100 block of Q Street, NW.

According to court documents, Hill and Riley sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Surveillance footage captured Browne hiding behind a bush for a shortly before the shooting occurred and as he was fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The motive, according to the prosecution, was retaliation for an attempted robbery of Browne’s car.

The prosecution requested a 120 year sentence, stating that the “level of sophistication in [his] crime” did not favor minimum sentencing under the guidelines. The prosecutor said there was an “absence of remorse”, based on the level of premeditation. According to court documents, Browne disguised himself using camouflage and brought a backpack to the scene.

The prosecution said Browne couldn’t claim he came from a disadvantaged background, because ,”He had all the positive things”. Further that Browne came from a good family, went to college, had a job, and was involved in the community.

Nor could he could not claim mental illness.

Hill and Riley’s family members appeared before the court to deliver victim statements.

Both expressed their grief and anger. Riley’s mother explained how “ [She] had to live with [her] child being dead”, urging the court “to impose the most severe sentencing.” She explained how Browne’s “cowardly” actions continue to “ripple” throughout her entire family. Riley was described as “adored by many”. 

Hill’s mother said there are no words to describe the way she is feeling. “These past 810 days have been a roller coaster of emotion… you took my baby away from me..you took my son away because of your pride,” she directed towards the defendant.

Douglas Wood, Browne’s defense attorney, said the suggested sentence, was “over the top” and “inappropriate”. He described Browne as a “mature young man,” adding that he “comes from a very good family, overcame learning disability…always worked… well loved in this community”. Wood urged Judge Okun to take these factors into consideration, asking for a “reasonable and merciful sentence”.

“I can only pray that you can show mercy on me today,” said Browne as he addressed the court.

The court addressed the “seriousness of [the] crime” saying that it “cannot be overstated”.  

Judge Okun sentenced Browne to 810 months of incarceration followed by a 5 year supervised release.

Browne is also required to register as a gun offender and pay a fine of 100 dollars to the Victim of Violent Crimes Fund.