Dennis Chase, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on July 25, 2025, to 35 years in prison for the murder of Anthony Orr in Southeast Washington. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A jury in Superior Court found Chase guilty in October 2024 of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to evidence presented by the government, Chase drove with Orr in the passenger seat through the Washington Highlands neighborhood. While driving down Xenia St. SE, Chase shot Orr in the head and pushed him out of the car before leaving the scene. He then drove about 30 miles north to Severn, Maryland, where he tried to destroy evidence by setting fire to the car using diesel exhaust fluid. Afterward, Chase walked through nearby woods and left his clothes and other items at a home’s shed before seeking help from the homeowner. The Anne Arundel County Police arrested him on an unrelated warrant after being called by the homeowner. Later, Metropolitan Police Department homicide detectives charged him with Orr’s murder. During his trial testimony, Chase claimed self-defense.
U.S. Attorney Pirro recognized the efforts of those who investigated from the Metropolitan Police Department and thanked Anne Arundel County Police Department for their assistance. She also acknowledged contributions from members of her office: Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin; Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity; Litigation Technology Specialists Leif Hickling and Charlie Bruce; Victim/Witness Advocate Jenn Clark; and Victim/Witness Coordinators Maenylie Watson and Katina Adams-Washington.
Pirro also commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Roman for investigating the case as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wes Faulkner and Andrea Antonelli for prosecuting it.
