WASHINGTON — A 15-year-old boy received the maximum sentence possible Wednesday for a pair of high-profile crimes in D.C. last year. A judge ordered the teen to remain in custody until he turns 21.
The teenager pleaded guilty earlier this year in the shooting death of 15-year-old Andre Robertson Jr. while Robertson was sitting on his great-grandmother's porch, as well as trying to rob Commanders player Brian Robinson Jr. Robinson was shot twice in the leg during the robbery and carjacking attempt.
In court Wednesday, the teen received the maximum sentence, which is commitment until he is 21 years old. He was charged with attempted robbery stemming from the Robinson case, and manslaughter in connection to the Andre Robertson shooting. He was also charged with carrying a pistol without a license.
It was a sentence that left Andre Robertson's family far from satisfied.
"Lawmakers need to change the rules with these juveniles, period. Life in jail. If they do the crime, they need to do the time," the victim's mother, Tyeisha Lucas, told reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing.
"He was my little helper. He'd go to the store, get me food. I needed water, laying in the bed, whatever I need, Andre would get it for me," said his great grandmother, Mary Satterfield, who was also hit by one of many bullets fired by three teens who pulled up in a car as school was getting out across the street.
According to DC Police, Brian Robinson Jr. was shot on Aug. 28, 2022 in the 1000 block of H Street Northeast around 5:30 p.m. and they believe the incident was a robbery attempt.
The rookie running back had been out to eat when police say two juveniles attacked him. Police claim Robinson wrestled a gun away from one of the teens who tried to rob him before he was shot in the leg and hip by a second teenager, who was also armed. The two teens were arrested in connection to the robbery and shooting in November.
In addition to the crime involving Robinson, the 15-year-old was also charged in connection with the death of Andre Robertson.
Robertson was shot and killed in broad daylight on Oct. 13 while sitting on his great-grandmother's porch in the 500 block of 48th Place, according to police.
Officers arrived around 3:40 p.m. and shortly after, he was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead once all life-saving efforts failed.
"I'm angry, angry as hell, that another coward took my grandson," said his grandmother, Trealetha Robertson, just hours after his death. "Some coward came through here and murdered my little grandson for no reason."
Prosecutors asked for the maximum sentence for the teenage defendant. The teen's lawyer asked for two years. The judge agreed with prosecutors, saying anything less than the maximum wouldn't be enough given the seriousness of the crimes.
While the sentence was handed down, the teen stared down or straight ahead. The judge told him not to lose hope, because he has all his years after he gets out at 21.
Andre Robertson's mother and sister were in the courtroom for the sentencing. They broke down, weeping loudly, as prosecutors played a reel of photos of Andre.
"He did look like a little boy, but I had to address him," said Andre's aunt, Renee Brown, who told the teen that he would answer some day to a higher power. She said Andre's little brother still knocks on his door most mornings, urging him to wake up.
The teen from the courtroom gallery did not appear to show any visible emotion.
Prosecutors say after the plea deal, they learned of another instance of criminality by the teen.
His lawyers say he's deeply remorseful, and that he's struggled too, at least since seeing his uncle shot to death right in front of him.
The judge urged him change his life before he gets out when he turns 21.
Brian Robinson was not in court Wednesday and did not offer a victim impact statement.
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