One of five girls, aged 12 to 15, involved in the fatal assault of 64-year-old Reggie Brown in Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to nearly seven years in juvenile detention.

The 13-year-old, sentenced Wednesday, will remain incarcerated until she turns 21, according to FOX 5 DC. Before her sentencing, she expressed remorse in court.

Malda Brown, the victim’s sister, addressed the court, expressing sorrow over the crime’s brutality.

“It saddens me that these young girls could be so brutal and do something so severe,” she said. “I’m just grateful that the judge did give them the time that D.C. commits until to 21, so we are grateful for that. It’ll make my mom feel so much better once we get home to let her know that that did take place.”

Another sister, Nasia Israel, criticized what she perceives as leniency in handling juvenile offenders.

“DYRS is letting these kids back out with no consequences, in and out the door, and get slapped on the wrist,” she said, referring to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. “My brother didn’t deserve that. Nobody deserves that.”

In October 2023, one of the teenage suspects testified that the group attacked Brown because they “were bored.”

Metropolitan Police responded to the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue around 1 a.m. on October 17, finding Brown with injuries consistent with an assault. He died at the scene.

The oldest suspect, a 15-year-old, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and received a three-year sentence. She testified it was her idea to attack Brown. The victim’s family described him as frail, having recently battled cancer.

Details of the Incident

The 15-year-old revealed that as the group walked through the Brightwood neighborhood, they encountered a man already assaulting Brown. She testified that she asked if they could join in, and the man agreed.

The girls then began chasing Brown, who tried to flee. Prosecutor Gabrielle LoGaglio questioned the 15-year-old during the trial about her thoughts after returning to the scene.

“Do you remember what you were thinking when you walked back to the alley?” LoGaglio asked.

“He’s dead,” the teenager responded.