‘I Just Want to Talk to my Kids,’ Says Domestic Assault Defendant

By
Camryn Montgomery
, Skyler Cole – June 30, 2025
Daily Stories
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Domestic Violence
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A domestic assault defendant requested visitation with her 11 children during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 26. 

Sunshine Bangura, 37, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic assault incident on June 21 on the unit block of Todd Place, NE.  

According to court documents, Bangura allegedly assaulted her 15-year-old daughter in their home after the two got into an argument. The daughter reportedly told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that Bangura punched her in the face, kicked her stomach, and cut her with a knife above her left eyebrow and on her wrist. 

“I just want to talk to my kids,” said Bangura during the hearing. 

Judge Brandt listened as Bangura listed her 10 children, the youngest of which is only 11-months-old.

“Goodness, woman, you are worn out,” said Judge Brandt. 

Bangura’s defense attorney, Atiq Ahmed, asked for more time to review a plea offer extended by the prosecution, and also requested a competency evaluation for Bangura.

According to court documents, the father said in an interview with MPD detectives that he had noticed recent mental health shifts in Bangura, such as depressive behavior and yelling. The father said, after he tried to stop the altercation, he asked Bangura what happened, and she gave no response.

According to Judge Brandt, the only stay-away order in place for Bangura applies solely to her 15-year-old. Judge Brandt confirmed that Bangura is freely able to speak with her other children. 

Judge Brandt suggested that Bangura coordinate a visit with the father, who is currently caring for the children.

Ahmed said Bangura was worried about her infant. Judge Brandt extended sympathy but said the issue was outside her jurisdiction and should be addressed with the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA).

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 1 .