Victim’s Family Files Ethics Complaint Against Prosecution as Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

By Adrianna Bhan [former] , Thomas Hinton [former], Carmen Quinteros [former] - May 30, 2024
Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Homicides | stabbing |

Both Shana Donahue’s mother and father addressed DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan with an “ethics complaint” in regard to poor communication between the prosecution and Donahue’s family in a homicide case. 

The victim’s family claimed the prosecution disregarded their wishes, as a homicide defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on May 29. 

Daniel Fleetwood, 28, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 26-year-old Shana Donahue on May 28, 2020, on the 2900 block of N Street, SE. 

According to court documents, Fleetwood and Donahue were involved in a romantic relationship. 

On May 29, Fleetwood accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of the first-degree murder charge.

The parties agreed on a sentencing range of 20-to-24-years of incarceration. If the court imposes a higher sentence, Fleetwood has the option to pull out of his plea agreement and go forth with a trial. 

Donahue’s mother shared that the prosecution “ignored the families wishes” and disregarded what they wanted in the plea agreement. 

She stated the family requested a jury trial in order for Fleetwood to get the highest sentence for first-degree murder. 

The mother highlighted that Fleetwood was “accepted into the family and treated as our own,” as she addressed the defendant as he started crying. 

“Something in you should’ve told you to stop,” she added.  

She concluded saying, “He doesn’t get to have a life when my baby can’t have one.”

Donahue’s father addressed Fleetwood personally, stating “24 years isn’t enough,” he then went on to share how three days prior to the murder of Donahue, he had told Fleetwood to “let her go and not hurt her.” 

Another member of Donahue’s family was also present during the status hearing and though she did not address the court personally she held an image of Donahue for the courtroom to see. 

The father also argued for the case to be changed to first-degree murder, which could put Fleetwood in prison for life. 

Judge Raffinan addressed the family members saying “I’m sorry for your loss. I will take into consideration all of your comments.”

Sentencing will occur on September 13.