David Pena, a 49-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison for the shooting death of Maurice Robinson. The sentencing took place on February 27, 2026, following Pena’s conviction by a D.C. Superior Court jury on November 25, 2025. He was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and related firearm offenses.
Superior Court Associate Judge Danya Dayson delivered the sentence. Although prosecutors requested a 25-year term and Pena faced up to 60 years due to two prior gun convictions, the final sentence was set at just over 14 years.
The incident occurred on June 12, 2023. According to evidence presented by the government, an argument between Pena’s daughter and her best friend led them to agree to fight each other. Maurice Robinson was among those who gathered to watch. During the altercation between the girls, Pena became angry and fired his gun at Robinson as he ran away, striking him four times in the back and killing him. Another individual nearby was not hit by gunfire. Authorities stated that although Pena claimed self-defense, no weapons were found on any victims.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the sentencing along with Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. “In announcing the sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll jointly, “we commend the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.” They also recognized Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miles Janssen and Zach Horton for prosecuting.
