An 18-year-old in Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to less than four months in jail for a carjacking incident, despite federal prosecutors urging a seven-year prison term. The decision has sparked controversy among legal experts and community leaders. Mark Edwards, 18, was sentenced on Friday in Superior Court following his guilty plea to one count of carjacking. The incident occurred on May 28 when Edwards and a 14-year-old accomplice stole a double-parked car after misleading the driver to believe they were armed. The two were later apprehended in Maryland after a police chase.
Judge Judith Pipe, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, imposed the sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which allows for lighter penalties for youth offenders. Despite the government’s objection, the court chose to suspend Edwards’ sentence and impose probation. Prosecutors had sought a seven-year prison term, followed by three years of supervised release. However, Judge Pipe’s ruling has been criticized for prioritizing rehabilitation over public safety, with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro expressing her concerns.
Pirro criticized the decision, stating that the current DC justice system is not effective and urged for federal control. She argued that the judge’s ruling released a dangerous offender, threatening the safety of the community. Edwards was in custody since August 6 and served approximately 108 days. If he completes probation successfully, he will not have to serve the remainder of the suspended sentence.
Edwards had also been charged with an attempted carjacking days earlier. In that incident, he and another suspect approached a double-parked car, demanded the driver’s keys, and stole his cellphone. The driver managed to escape the scene, according to the Justice Department. The case highlights the ongoing concerns of teen carjackings in the nation’s capital. While overall numbers are decreasing, the issue remains a significant public safety concern.
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith commended the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers who investigated both incidents. The data from MPD shows that there have been 238 carjackings this year, resulting in 135 arrests. Over half of those arrested were juveniles, indicating the severity of the problem among youth. Although carjackings are down by 49% compared to the same period in 2024, the issue remains a pressing concern for the city’s authorities and community leaders.