On January 4, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan extended a non-lethal shooting case’s sentencing owing to a sentencing dispute. Travis Littlejohn, 38, was convicted of assault with intent to murder while armed and possession of a handgun during a crime of violence in a mass shooting in Washington, D.C., on July 5, 2019.
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Shell Gas Station Altercation: Prosecution Seeks 130-Year Sentence for Littlejohn, Defense Urges 50 Years
Four people were injured in an altercation at a Shell gas station in the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. To promote responsibility and community safety, the prosecution requested 130 years for Littlejohn. The incident occurred after Littlejohn’s release from jail for voluntary manslaughter while armed, and they noted the possibility of more serious consequences, including baby injury. To protect society, the prosecution urged the court to punish fairly.
Littlejohn’s defense attorney, Lee Smith, requested the minimum sentence for each offense, 50 years in prison. Smith read Littlejohn’s mother’s statement, emphasizing her son’s positive traits and health concerns, showing anxiety about life in prison. Smith opposed the prosecution’s request for life in prison, arguing that no one was killed.
Littlejohn argued during the trial that nobody could identify him as the gunman, requesting the court to consider this in punishment. The defense argued that the judge should be indulgent considering the facts.
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Sentencing for Travis Littlejohn Postponed Amidst Dispute Over Guidelines
To enable for review, Judge Raffinan postponed sentencing due to the sentencing guidelines dispute. Participants will meet again on January 9 to discuss the issue.
Travis Littlejohn’s sentence is complicated by the nature of the crimes, the prosecution’s request for a long prison term, and the defense’s request for leniency due to Littlejohn’s circumstances and the absence of fatalities.
