Shannon Updike, a Washington, D.C. resident, has received a 15-year prison sentence for the shooting of Chidzie Njoku. The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. in collaboration with Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Updike had earlier confessed to one count of second-degree murder while armed, leading to today's sentencing in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The court honored the 15-year sentence stipulated in the plea deal.
The incident involved Updike using a handmade purple assault rifle to shoot Njoku twice at close range. After the shooting, Updike attempted to escape on foot but was apprehended by MPD patrol officers following a chase.
U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith acknowledged the dedication of the Metropolitan Police Department's team in their investigation. They extended appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office staff, including Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera and Victim/Witness Advocate Christina Bloodworth. Additional praise was directed to Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Ganjei for his role in the investigation and prosecution.
