Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder While Armed for the Deadly Shooting of a 19-Year Old

            WASHINGTON – David Botchway, 20, of Gwynn Oak, MD, pleaded guilty, on December 13, 2023, to second degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Andre Baker, of Washington, D.C. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 8, 2024. Botchway faces a sentencing range of 16 to 20 years in prison.

            According to the government’s evidence, the night of August 5, 2023, Mr. Baker and two friends were hanging out in front of a bus stop in the 1200 block of U Street Northwest after enjoying a night out in the U Street neighborhood. At around 5:01 a.m., Botchway approached the group and without warning or any provocation, pointed the gun at Mr. Baker and shot him multiple times in the head and torso. Mr. Baker died a short time later. One of the bullets also grazed one of the victim’s friends. Botchway fled on foot until officers, who were on routine patrol and heard the gunshots, observed the defendant fleeing on foot. After a short foot chase, officers apprehended Botchway at the corner of 12^th and T Streets, Northwest. A .40 caliber Glock 22 handgun with an extended magazine was found on the defendant at the time of his arrest. The murder was also captured on several surveillance cameras in the area.

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nebiyu Feleke of the Homicide section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.