Sentencing Update: Parolee Convicted of Killing Witness Coordinator Faces Consequences for La Plata Assault
Damion Anqwan Wilson, a 42-year-old native of La Plata, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following a violent incident earlier this year at a Dash In convenience store while he was on parole.
Prosecutors report that on January 17, officers responded to the 600 block of Charles Street in La Plata after an altercation involving Wilson and an unknown individual. During the confrontation, Wilson allegedly pointed a gun at the victim before leaving the scene. The victim promptly called the police and provided a description of Wilson, who was later located near the gas station. He was apprehended after a brief foot chase and struggle with responding officers.
Wilson had been on parole since September 2022 after serving time for the second-degree murder of Cooke, a victim witness coordinator at the State’s Attorney’s Office. Wilson shot and killed Cooke in 2000 during a domestic dispute involving Cooke’s daughter.
Assistant State’s Attorney John Stackhouse expressed deep concern during Wilson’s sentencing, stating, “I’ve been doing this job for a very long time; there are some cases that pop up and are very concerning. This is one of those cases.” He highlighted that Wilson failed to take responsibility for his past actions and instead returned to the community by brandishing a gun at another person. Stackhouse characterized the incident as “about as serious as you can get,” particularly given Wilson’s history, and requested an above-guideline sentence to ensure public safety.
Wilson pleaded guilty in August to multiple charges, including first-degree assault, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, and possession of cocaine.
Judge James West remarked on the gravity of Wilson’s actions, stating, “This is the type of case that shows, at its very best, the level of poor decision-making in spite of a past record. It’s astonishing. The decision-making, type of offense, and the history give great concern.”
