DC man sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting two women near library

Joseph Knight, 32, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for two separate shootings near the Anacostia Library that injured two women, despite prior felony convictions that legally barred him from possessing a firearm. He pleaded guilty to unlawful firearm possession and assault charges, and both prosecutors and his own defense attorney asked the judge to impose the sentence.

In the first shooting, Knight paid a woman $5 to buy a synthetic stimulant, and after a fight broke out he shot her seven times in the legs and hands. He was later spotted by library security and fled, dropping a loaded 9mm pistol, before a third incident weeks later in which he pistol-whipped and shot another woman three times.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office, known for issuing more detailed and pointed press releases than other jurisdictions, called Knight a “grave danger” to the community. His attorney said Knight accepts responsibility and is prepared to seek help.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.