15-year term for murder and related crimes

Pictured: a picture taken at the crime scene.

By Linda Cicoira

A 19-year-old, who was armed with an AK-47 style gun and provided firearms for other teens in the shooting death of their alleged marijuana dealer in 2021, was ordered to serve 15 years of active time in prison Thursday in Accomack Circuit Court for first-degree murder, attempted robbery, two firearm offenses, and escape.

Daniel David Douglas, of Market Street in Onancock, has already served about three years for his crimes. In a plea agreement, Commonwealth’s Attorney Spencer Morgan dropped two conspiracy charges in exchange for the pleas and agreed to a maximum term of 20 years.

Judge Lynwood W. Lewis Jr. cut five years off the suggested total because Douglas has mental issues, and he testified against another defendant. Lewis also put Douglas, who was tried as an adult, on five years of supervised probation and 10 years of good behavior. The defendant also gave up his rights regarding searches and seizures for up to five years after release.

Defense lawyer Carl Bundick said his client has signs of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, he used drugs, and had learning issues.

“He still struggles with the circumstances, Bundick said. He tried to do the right thing. “He did come forward and plead guilty and offered his assistance to the commonwealth,” the lawyer said.

Morgan argued his testimony was considered when the plea agreement was made. The prosecutor noted the seriousness of the offenses. While Douglas “did not fire a shot,” Morgan said, he armed the others. “The safety of the community is an issue.”

“The man is dead,” the judge said of the victim, 23-year-old Nicholas Kyle Joseph, of Painter. “He’s not coming back … you supplied the weapons that were used. Somewhere along the line, you lost your nerve or were hit with a moral end …”

Joseph was shot at least five times in the head, extremities, and chest while stopped in the middle of Johnson Street, in Onancock, that afternoon. The area is near the old carnival grounds. After being struck by gunfire, the victim’s car continued to move down the road and hit a pole at a nearby intersection. Police found it with the doors open. Joseph died in a hospital the next day.

Douglas was sentenced to 30 years with all but seven years suspended for murder, five years with all suspended for attempted robbery, and the mandatory three years and five years for using a firearm in those offenses.

Large quantities of bagged marijuana, three guns, and spent casings were found inside Joseph’s car. His cell phone was found during the autopsy. It had links to Snapchat accounts that led investigators to a photo of Douglas with the assault weapon.