Young Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years on Homicide Charge

By Miranda Calderon , Mia Kimm - March 22, 2024
Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 22, 18-year-old Eugene Williams, was sentenced by DC Superior Court  Judge Maribeth Raffinan to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a homicide.

The shooting incident occurred on Feb. 8, 2022 on the unit block of Chesapeake Street, SE. According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, 16-year-old DeShawn Francis was found alive with a gunshot wound to the head but succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 11, 2022. The shooting occurred following a disputed marijuana deal of $200.

At the sentencing hearing, the victim’s stepfather said that although Williams demonstrated an eagerness to right his wrongs, “My son doesn’t get a chance to better himself. There are no second chances for us,” he said with tears in his eyes.

The prosecution said it is “almost more scary” that Williams had no prior criminal history because it highlights the abruptness of the act, emphasizing that, “Society deserves to be protected.”

The defense characterized Williams as a “wonderful man” who committed a “horrific act” due to his circumstances noting that, “If he was given the opportunities that other children had, he would not be before the court today.”

Williams’ attorney argued that he was neglected and abused and lacked resources growing up as mitigating factors.

Williams also wrote a letter to the court expressing remorse.

Judge Raffinan set a hearing in 30 days to start Williams’s sentencing, so he could pass one more test to obtain his GED.

She pointed to the defendant’s age, the fact that there was no previous criminal history, and the nature of the crime as factors behind her decision.

Next hearing date is scheduled for April 22.