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David Clayton Hanson, 35, was sentenced Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Frederick County Circuit Court to 93 years in prison after a jury convicted him of the harrowing assault of a woman he shares a child with.
Specifically, Hanson was found guilty of:
Two counts of first-degree assault;
- Two counts of using a firearm in a violent crime;
- Illegal possession of a regulated firearm;
- Illegal possession of ammunition.
The chilling encounter unfolded on Nov. 18, 2021, at around 8:30 a.m., when police responded to a reported armed robbery on the 400 block of E. Patrick Street, prosecutors said; however, investigators quickly determined it was no robbery.
According to witnesses, Hanson held a handgun to the back of the woman's head and pulled the trigger, but the gun failed to fire.
A second victim intervened and chased Hanson, who ditched the weapon in Carroll Creek while fleeing.
Hanson was caught shortly after near Hope Circle, wearing a beanie and black wig in a failed attempt to disguise himself.
Police also discovered Hanson’s active Virginia protective order — issued after he previously threatened to kill the victim — inside his car. He had driven from Virginia specifically to commit the crime.
“Mr. Hanson presented a great danger to the community and this domestic violence victim, who already held an active Virginia protective order meant to protect her,” said State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. “I am pleased that the Court sentenced (Hanson) in a way that incapacitates him and ensures her safety.”
During a Victim Impact Statement, the second victim told the court: “Today, my friend has the power; she won. For the last three years, the State gave us our power back.”
The original victim added: “My family and I have been profoundly impacted. My children will now grow up without being in a constant state of fear and threat of violence.”
Judge Julie Solt made her position clear when addressing Hanson: “You caused significant emotional harm to the two victims while putting them in physical danger.
"I don’t know how someone could make a choice to kill the parent of his own children," she continued. "This court has no confidence that you could be out in society as a law-abiding citizen.”
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