Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.
By
Elizabeth Brady
- October 10, 2024
Daily Stories
|
Data
|
Homicides
|
Shooting
|
Victims
|
A homicide defendant was sentenced to 15 years by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in an Oct. 9 hearing.
On May 3, Tyree Sanders, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michael McKinney. The incident occurred on Sept. 17, 2023, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.
Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-17 years of incarceration.
According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from internet beef between Sanders and McKinney.
During the hearing, McKinney’s aunt stated, “his life was taken too soon,” adding that, “His children will grow up without a father.” According to McKinney’s aunt, there are now seven children without a father and a heartbroken mother.
“There’s not a minute that goes by that I don’t think of him,” McKinney’s youngest sister continued, explaining she “breaks down and cries everyday.”
McKinney’s older sister recounted, “Michael went out of his way to help others,” questioning to the judge, “who is he [Sanders] to take a life?”
“He ruined everything for me and my family… Michael McKinney deserves justice,” the sister insisted.
“Mikey was a blessing… he is a memory for us all,” expressed the victim’s oldest sister.
Prosecutors presented Judge Epstein with footage of the incident, stating that McKinney should receive the highest sentence the sentencing range allows.
Defense attorney Kevin Mosley sympathized with the family, explaining how the defendant lost his father at 13, was exposed to abuse and violence at a young age, and was placed in the foster care system.
According to Mosley, Sanders feels remorseful for his actions, going as far as writing and rewriting an apology letter to the family on the day of his arrest.
“I hope one day I will forgive myself,” Sanders told Judge Epstein.
The judge sentenced Sanders to 15 years in prison, and five years in supervised release. The defendant will be required to seek grief counseling and mental health services whilst serving his time.
No further dates were set.