DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a defendant involved in a workplace dispute shooting to 60 months in prison, with all but 36 suspended, during a Nov. 14 hearing.
On Sept. 12, Michael Alexander, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 300 block of S Street, NE, on Feb. 21.
According to court documents, Alexander’s co-worker sustained superficial wounds to his left ear after Alexander shot him during an argument about a delivery order.
During the Nov. 14 hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Edelman to sentence Alexander to five years in prison. They argued that the defendant shot at the victim’s head and “narrowly missed a homicide,” which should be reflected in the length of his sentence.
The prosecution argued that the defendant should not be considered under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows for young defendants’ convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete sentencing requirements. The prosecution argued that the severity of Alexander’s offense makes the the YRA an inappropriate remedy.
Defense attorney Albert Amissah argued that Alexander falls squarely under the YRA and advocated for straight probation. Amissah explained that Alexander was just 19-years-old when he committed the crime and that his age should make rehabilitation the sole focus of the court.
Amissah asked the court to consider Alexander’s past experiences. He was robbed and attacked in prison, but has had little contact with the criminal justice system. He also has a record of mental health issues and attended school for children with disabilities.
Amissah argued that the victim was the aggressor of the dispute, explaining that the victim chased Alexander across the street. Amissah argued that Alexander felt scared and reacted poorly as a result.
He shared that Alexander has a daughter who was born while Alexander was in jail. Alexander has reflected on the pain he has caused his family and wants to avoid being an absent parent like his father.
Judge Edelman sentenced Alexander to 60 months in prison, with all but 36 suspended, and three years of supervised release. Alexander was sentenced under the YRA as well.
Judge Edelam agreed with the defense that Alexander should be considered under the YRA because of his young age and the immaturity reflected in the crime. Alexander also demonstrated a strong potential to change– he has participated in programming in the DC Jail and has a long work history supported by several letters of recommendation from co-workers.
Jude Edelman recognized that Alexander pleaded guilty before being indicted for the crime and agreed with the defense that Alexander had no significant history with the criminal justice system.
However, Judge Edelman explained that a probationary sentencing would be inappropriate for the crime committed. As he saw it, the workplace violence resulted in Alexander shooting a single bullet at the victim’s head. While the victim provoked what happened, he never assaulted or touched Alexander.
Parties are not slated to reconvene.
