Washington, D.C. – A 54-year-old District of Columbia man, Preston Pearson, was found guilty today by a Superior Court jury of manslaughter while armed in connection with the October 25, 2007, stabbing death of 53-year-old David Whicker, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor announced today.

The Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. presided over the trial and will sentence Pearson on December 11, 2008. The defendant faces a maximum of 30 years in prison based upon his conviction.

According to the government’s evidence, on October 25, 2007, Pearson, who lived in the 4000 block of 4th Street, SE, Washington, D.C., left home at about 10:00 p.m. to work the night shift at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Around midnight, the decedent was invited into the apartment by Pearson’s girlfriend. Pearson surprised his live-in girlfriend by returning to the apartment just after midnight. Once in the apartment, Pearson observed the decedent near the bedroom. The decedent left the apartment, with Pearson following close behind. A scuffle ensued in the hallway, followed by Pearson returning to the apartment and telling his live-in girlfriend to go check on her boyfriend by the front door because he just knocked him out. After viewing the decedent by the front door, she returned and told Pearson to call 911. Before calling 911, Pearson went downstairs and dragged the decedent outside and left him in a pouring down rain.

The paramedics soon arrived on the scene and transported the decedent to Med Star, where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy was performed later that morning by the District of Columbia Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death was a stab wound to the chest and the cause of death was ruled a homicide. The decedent also suffered a blunt force trauma to the middle of his head and several cuts.

 In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Taylor commended Metropolitan Police Department Detectives Elbert Griffin, Stanley Farmer, Brett Smith, Anthony Patterson, and Carol Queen. He likewise commended Crime Scene Search Officers Kemper Agee, Ridley Durham, and Robert Mccollum. He also applauded the efforts of Victim/Witness Advocate Macia Rinker, Paralegal Marian Russell, Legal Assistant Doloris Young and the entire Litigation Support Staff for a strong team effort. Lastly, Mr. Taylor thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Cobb, who prosecuted the case.