In the early morning hours of July 13, 2014, a senseless act of violence cut short the life of 21-year-old Donchell Thomas in Washington, D.C. He was a Black male. Just before 1 a.m., Thomas was a passenger in the back seat of a blue Honda Accord, driven by his friend, 20-year-old Derek Price. They were near the intersection of North Capitol and T Streets NW when they were approached by 36-year-old Jimmie Fleming and a juvenile companion.
Price agreed to give the pair a ride.
Fleming and the juvenile entered the back seat with Thomas. As Price drove, Fleming, without any warning or provocation, pulled out a handgun and began shooting inside the confined space of the car. A witness later recounted to police that Fleming said 'bang' as he repeatedly pulled the trigger. Thomas and Price were both struck in the head. A third passenger in the front seat was shot multiple times in the torso and arm but survived the horrific ordeal. The juvenile with Fleming was unharmed. The car, now without a driver, crashed at the intersection.
In the chaotic aftermath, Jimmie Fleming fled the scene on foot and ran to a nearby house. He was quickly apprehended there by the Metropolitan Police Department. A subsequent search of the residence uncovered a bag of ammunition in Fleming's room. Donchell Thomas was rushed to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. Derek Price also succumbed to his wounds later that day.
Jimmie Fleming was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter while armed for the deaths of Donchell Thomas and Derek Price, and one count of aggravated assault while armed for the injuries to the surviving passenger. As a result of his plea, Fleming was sentenced to 36 years in prison for the unprovoked and tragic shooting that ended two young lives.
