He threatened to kill a woman with a gun.
David Clayton Hanson (Photo from Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office)
Frederick, Md (KM) A Virginia man was sentenced to 93 years in prison on Wednesday in Circuit Court for a domestic violence incident in Frederick. The State’s Attorney’s Office says David Clayton Hanson, 35, was convicted on December 6th, 2024 of two counts each of 1st-degree assault, and the use of a firearm in a crime of violence. The jury also found him guilty of illegal possession of a regulated firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
Prosecutors say on November 18th, 2021, at around 8:30 AM, Frederick Police responded for an armed robbery in the 400 block of East Patrick Street. Investigators determined it was not an armed robbery, A woman told police Hanson held a handgun to the back of her head, and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not discharge. At the time, she was sitting in her car, talking with an acquaintance.
A second victim intervened and gave chase to Hanson who ran off. He threw his handgun into Carroll Creek. Officers took him into custody near Hope Circle.
They say first victim had an active protective order from Virginia against Hanson due to the defendant’s prior threat to kill her.
Circuit Court Judge Julie Stevenson Solt addressed Hanson during sentencing. “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 the parent of his own children. This court has no confidence that you could be out in society as a law abiding citizen,” she said.
During a victim impact statement, the bystander victim told the court. “Today, my friend has the power; she won. For the last three years, the State gave us our power back.”
Also speaking was the original victim who said: “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.
In a statement, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said: “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. I am pleased that the Court sentenced the defendant in a way that incapacitates him and ensure her safety.”
By Kevin McManus