Victim’s Mother Sits ‘in Grief’ at Sentencing Hearing

By Namita Nair [former] - June 17, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant, who previously refused to appear, was sentenced to 45 years in prison by  DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe  on June 14. 

Terrell Poe, 37, was convicted by a jury on Feb. 15 of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Washington on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

At the hearing prosecutors informed the court that they had received multiple letters of support for harsh sentencing by the victim’s family.

Washington’s mother told the court of the deep pain she and her entire family feel, highlighting Washington’s role as a father and the immense loss his children are experiencing.

She described “sit[ing] in grief” and knowing that nothing was going to bring him back. 

Prosecutors recommended the top of sentencing guidelines for Poe stating that “society is simply not safe with the defendant [Poe] on the streets.”

They requested 62 years of incarceration, citing his criminal history and the nature and circumstances of the offense. 

Poe’s parents and sister spoke to the court asking for leniency in that they truly believed that Poe was incapable of killing Washington for no reason. 

Poe’s father stated he was the closest he had been to his son in five years. He urged his son to “be strong,” and cherish the fact that Poe could “still from time to time hold [them],” something Washington could no longer do with his family. 

As Poe’s father gave his statement to the court Poe could be heard saying “I love you” to him. 

Poe’s sister was the last family member to give a statement on his behalf. She described Poe as loving, caring, and goofy. She affirmed her belief in his innocence despite the guilty verdict handed down by the jury. 

In his statement to the court, Poe apologized to the Washington family, stating he understood the feeling of loss they were experiencing as he had lost his older brother to street violence.

Poe then reaffirmed his innocence stating that he would “never pull a trigger on someone without an apparent reason,” adding that the only way would be if he or his family were being threatened. 

Poe stated he was  “not going to take responsibility for something [he] didn’t do,” highlighting the fact that he has three prior convictions and that his family had not shown up on his behalf until this one, indicating his is taking responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions. 

Through tears Poe gave his love to his family, including his two young children who were in the courtroom. He warned his sons that “all they see is color,” and to be good.

Finally, Poe directly addressed Judge O’Keefe stating that he has already been waiting for almost five years in jail to prove his innocence. Poe acknowledged that Judge O’Keefe had a job to do, but to be understanding of why he was found guilty, which Poe believed to be his race. 

Judge O’Keefe told Poe that, “ [The jury] all concluded ‘yes’ [meaning a guilty verdict]. And I have to respect that.” 

He highlighted Poe’s prior arrests, warrants, and convictions and that Poe did not arrive at the sentencing with “clean hands.” 

“You’ve been found responsible for it and you have to be punished for it,” Judge O’Keefe told Poe.

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Poe to 45 years in prison with five years of supervised probation. 

Poe is to be incarcerated within 100 miles of DC per defense counsel’s request of staying close to the area so Poe may keep in contact with family.