A 16-Year-Old Charged with Murder
A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder following the death of a man in Washington, D.C., last month.
On December 5, Roy Bennett Jr., aged 20, was at a Union Market apartment being used as a recording studio when the incident occurred. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, both Bennett and suspect Keyonte Johnson were present along with several others.
During the recording session, Bennett approached the microphone while Johnson sat behind him on a couch. Prosecutors allege that Johnson opened fire, striking Bennett seven times, including two shots to his chest and two to the back of his head.
Additionally, Johnson is accused of threatening another individual present at the scene, warning them not to speak about what had happened or face dire consequences.
Bennett was declared dead at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts to save him. Following an investigation and issuance of an arrest warrant, Johnson was apprehended in Maryland on Tuesday. While federal prosecutors identify him as a resident of D.C., police report he is originally from Bladensburg.
During his arrest, authorities discovered five magazines—one fully loaded—with ammunition, along with various types of bullets and items matching descriptions provided by witnesses regarding what Johnson wore during the crime.
Johnson faces charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and is currently being held without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on January 14.
The U.S. Attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro, commented on the case, stating it highlights ongoing issues with youth crime in the area. She emphasized the need for stricter accountability measures for young offenders to prevent such violence from occurring in the future.
