Judge Stuart Nash sentenced David Robinson to 10 months in prison Friday in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Howard Ricardo Sampler.
Robinson pleaded guilty to three weapons charges in connection with Sampler’s death in April.
Arrested on a charge of second-degree murder while armed, Robinson was never indicted on a murder charge. Instead a Grand Jury found the lesser charges of carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Prosecutors in the case say the investigation into Sampler’s death remains “pending” to determine whether Robinson acted in self-defense.
Sampler was found shot in the 1500 block of 45th Street Northeast.
According to the plea agreement, Robinson fired a .40 caliber pistol at Sampler during an altercation that occurred around 6 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2012. Robinson told detectives he fired in self-defense.
Sampler died an hour later from multiple gunshot wounds to the body. Documents say thirteen .40 caliber shell casings were recovered from the crime scene.
Tejal Kothari, Robinson’s defense attorney, said Friday that witnesses claim Sampler also had a firearm, and that she believes “the government has evidence that will corroborate self-defense.”
Kothari further argued that if Robinson didn’t have a gun, “someone else may be on trial for murder.”
Robinson’s plea agreement is below.
