Judge sentences 15-year-old involved in beating death of 64-year-old DC man

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — One of the five girls charged in the murder of 64-year-old Reggie Brown was sentenced in D.C. Superior Court on Thursday.

Prosecutors said Brown was beaten to death nearly a year ago on Oct. 17, 2023.

One of the girls, who is now 15 years old, pleaded guilty in August to assault with a dangerous weapon (her foot), admitting to kicking Brown in the side.

Prosecutors said when she noticed Brown’s motion was slowing and something was wrong, she stepped back and stopped participating.

On Thursday, Judge Kendra Briggs ordered her to be committed until she turns 19 years old — in Nov. 2027.

That’s more than both prosecutors and her defense attorney were asking for. The prosecution asked for her to be held until she was 18 in a secure residential treatment program. The defense asked she be placed in a therapeutic group home for six to eight months.

The 15-year-old addressed the court and Brown’s family, saying, “I know I have made a very important mistake…I know it was wrong.”

She said she would remember what happened for the rest of her life.

“I don’t have the power to make things right. All I can do is tell the truth,” she said.

Reggie Brown’s sister Malda Brown was in court for the decision.

“The young lady today, she was remorseful. She showed empathy and she apologized to the families. So therefore, we think that Judge Briggs made a excellent decision on the behalf of our family today,” Malda Brown said.

Asked for comment about Judge Briggs’ decision, the girl’s defense attorney Philip Skillman said, “You can’t be sure you’re picking the right period of time,” noting Briggs has discretion to hold juveniles until they’re 21.

The trial of two other girls who were involved continues next week.

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