David Pena, a 49-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison for the fatal shooting of Maurice Robinson on June 12, 2023. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A jury in D.C. Superior Court found Pena guilty on November 25, 2025, of voluntary manslaughter while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and related firearm offenses. Superior Court Associate Judge Danya Dayson handed down the sentence on February 27, 2026. Prosecutors had requested a sentence of 25 years in prison; Pena faced up to 60 years due to two prior gun convictions.
The case stemmed from an incident where Pena’s daughter and her best friend agreed to fight to resolve an argument. Maurice Robinson was among several people who came to watch the altercation. During the fight between the girls, Pena became angry and shot Robinson four times in the back as he ran away. Robinson died from his injuries. Another person nearby was not hit by gunfire. Authorities reported that no weapons were found on any victims despite Pena’s claim of self-defense.
Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined U.S. Attorney Pirro in announcing the sentencing decision.
U.S. Attorney Pirro stated: "In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miles Janssen and Zach Horton, who prosecuted the case."
