‘You Terrorized Your Own Neighborhood,’ Judge Tells Defendant at Sentencing

By Audrey Staudacher , Maria Andrea Morales - February 9, 2024
Daily Stories | Robbery |

On Feb. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a defendant to ten years imprisonment for his involvement in a series of armed carjackings.

Darrin Bailey, 21, was originally charged with one count of armed carjacking, one count of unlawful possession of firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE, on March 21, 2023. 

“This situation has created agony in her life,” the prosecution stated of one victim.

According to court documents, several individuals allegedly opened fire at each other in the street. Bailey allegedly returned fire before fleeing the scene and was shortly after arrested by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. He was detained after it was discovered there was a warrant for his arrest for two prior carjackings that allegedly took place in 2022 in the same neighborhood.

On October 13, 2023, Bailey accepted a deal to plead guilty to one count of armed carjacking, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle, and one count of assault with intent to commit robbery. He was not charged for his alleged involvement in the shooting. 

Defense attorney Albert Amissah asked the judge to sentence Bailey to 96 months with three years of supervised release, citing the defendant’s age and his desired pursuit of a GED. When given a moment to speak, Bailey also reiterated his commitment to change and become a “better man” for his child. 

During sentencing, prosecution read out several statements from the carjacking victims, describing Bailey’s conduct as a “wake of violence,” that caused them significant emotional distress. 

After hearing both parties, Judge Christian stated the plea deal was “substantially too light” of a sentence. “You terrorized your own neighborhood,” he said in reference to Elvans Road. 

However, he accepted the initial plea agreement, concluding that he was hopeful the defendant would reenter society at the end of his sentence with a different perspective on life and property.

Bailey was sentenced to ten years incarceration with five years supervised release. 

No further dates were set.