D.C. Man Arrested and Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Pedestrian’s Death near the White House

            WASHINGTON – Santana Matthews, 20, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for the death of 26-year-old Aaron Marckell Williams that occurred on January 7, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

            Matthews made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey G. Jones, on January 8, 2026, where Judge Jones found probable cause that Matthews committed the offense of second-degree murder while armed and ordered that Matthews be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 27, 2026.

            At approximately 3:49 p.m., a Chevrolet Malibu was operating at a high rate of speed southbound in the 1100 block of 16th Street, Northwest, when he entered the intersection with L Street against a red light. The Malibu collided with a Toyota Corolla that was traveling eastbound on L Street with a green light. The collision caused the Malibu to strike Mr. Williams walking eastbound in the crosswalk with the right-of-way, across 16th Street. Three additional vehicles stopped at the red light northbound on 16th Street were also damaged in the collision. Matthews was the operator and sole occupant of the Malibu and he attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended by responding officers. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after all lifesaving efforts failed, Mr. Williams was pronounced dead. The suspect and two additional victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

            Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter.

            These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.