Washington, D.C. – Following a six-week trial, a District of Columbia Superior Court jury today found Louis M. Medley III, 27, guilty of First Degree Premeditated Murder while Armed, with aggravating circumstances, as well as related felony murder and firearm charges for the murder of Michael Carter on August 25, 2005, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor announced. Medley, now facing a possible sentence of life without the possibility of release, will be sentenced by the Honorable Judge Frederick H. Weisberg on October 17, 2008.

The evidence at trial showed that Medley killed Michael Carter inside Carter’s apartment at 4618 Livingston Road, SE (PSA 706), in the early morning hours of August 25, 2005. Medley and an unindicted coconspirator, went to and entered Carter’s apartment intending to rob him, kill him, and set his body on fire to conceal their crime. To that end, Medley entered the apartment armed with an Intratec 9mm semi-automatic pistol, as well as a knife. After entering the apartment, Medley pulled out the Tec-9 and tried to shoot Carter. A struggle ensued, and Medley ultimately killed Carter by shooting him in the back of the head as Carter attempted to flee his own apartment. Medley then dragged Carter’s body back into the apartment, doused him with gasoline, and set his body on fire. Medley was also convicted of obstruction of justice for conspiring to dispose of the murder weapon and telling witnesses to lie to the police about their knowledge of the murder.

In announcing today’s verdict, U.S. Attorney Taylor commended Metropolitan Police Department Detectives William Xanten and Milton Norris, as well as Sergeant Daniel Wagner, Detective Bryan Waid, Officers John Holzwarth and Cynthia Moton, and Prince George’s County Police Officer Todd Dolihite. He also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Brittin and Fernando Campoamor, who handled the investigation and prosecution of the case.