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By
Yvianna Estrella
- January 27, 2025
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced non-fatal shooting defendant, George Thomas III, to 42 months of incarceration on Jan. 24.
On Oct. 24, 2024, Thomas pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in shooting at a car that was occupied by his children and their aunt on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE on June 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.
“I am never going to be the same person I was before the shooting,” said the children’s aunt. Still dealing with the effects, she emphasized the emotional and mental impact the incident has had on her and their family.
She said the defendant had ample time and opportunity to walk away from the situation but chose violence. Traumatized by the domestic violence incident, the victim was in disbelief asking the judge, “What kind of man shoots at his own kids?”
Thomas’ family members were in the courtroom and registered their obvious displeasure with the victim’s account. Judge McLean warned them to keep silent during the hearing.
The prosecution requested that, despite Thomas’ having no significant criminal record, the judge sentence him to 42 months of incarceration.
The term was justified, they said, given the emotional toll on the family and the fact that the defendant chose to escalate the situation.
Elizabeth White, Thomas’ attorney, reiterated the defendant accepted responsibility for his actions and understands the severity of the crime.
Claiming that he “is extremely and extraordinarily remorseful,” White argued for six months incarceration, given that he has not spoken to his children in six months and the mother of Thomas’ children was arrested for allegedly assaulting them shortly after the incident.
Thomas apologized to the victim, claiming he had a “bad day” and is now wanting to “put himself on the right path.”
Judge McLean was apparently not convinced by Thomas’ “bad day” explanation and given the severity of the crime, sentenced him to jail for 42 month.
No further dates were set.