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Press Release

D.C. Man Arrested for Hate Crime Murder

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia
Defendant Hurled Slurs at Unarmed Victim Who Identified as a Female

            WASHINGTON – Edgar Arrington, 38, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours of July 5, 2025, in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

            Arrington made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide Herrmann earlier today, where Judge Herrmann found probable cause that Arrington committed the offense of first-degree murder while armed, with a hate crime enhancement (gender identity), and ordered that Arrington be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing on October 7, 2025, before Judge Danya Dayson.

            According to court documents, Arrington, a stranger to the victim, Daquan Johnson, ridiculed Johnson for being transgendered as Johnson walked by Arrington on the sidewalk. Arrington continued his harassment of Johnson by hurling slurs at Johnson, ultimately retrieving a firearm from his clothing and shooting the unarmed victim multiple times throughout the body. Johnson died as a result of the injuries.

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna Payyappilly.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

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

Updated September 18, 2025

Topics
Hate Crimes
Violent Crime
Press Release Number: 25-432