CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A 30-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a jury convicted him of killing two relatives and setting fire to an apartment in an attempt to destroy evidence, the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office announced.
Judge Roger Young sentenced Rashiean Richmond Washington after a jury found him guilty Friday of two counts of murder, second-degree arson and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. During sentencing, Young said Washington “had no respect for human life,” according to the solicitor’s office.
Prosecutors said Washington fatally shot brothers Jasmond Grant, 21, of North Charleston, and Damarion Champaigne, 17, of Charleston, inside an apartment two days after Christmas in 2021.
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During the trial, Washington testified that he acted in self-defense and told jurors he “neutralized the threat” by firing 11 shots at the victims. However, prosecutors said forensic evidence contradicted that account…