Damon McQuarters, a 45-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Michael Simpson outside a gas station in Northeast Washington. The sentencing took place on October 24, 2025, following McQuarters’ guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder earlier this year.
According to information presented by prosecutors, the incident occurred at approximately 5:35 p.m. on August 24, 2024. McQuarters approached Simpson as he was sitting with friends in front of the Citgo gas station at 3820 Minnesota Ave. NE. He then drew a handgun from his shorts pocket and shot Simpson once in the head before putting the weapon away and leaving the scene. Simpson was transported to a hospital where he died the next day.
The sentence was handed down by Judge Danya Dayson in Superior Court of the District of Columbia, who accepted an agreed-upon sentencing range between 21 and 25 years and imposed a term of 22 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the sentencing along with Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith. In their statement, they acknowledged those involved in investigating and prosecuting the case: “In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Kelly Blakeney, and Victim/Witness Advocate Latrice Washington-Williams.”
They also recognized Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Coronado for her role in investigating and prosecuting the matter: “Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Coronado, who investigated and prosecuted the case.”
The release noted that while these events occurred previously, publication was delayed due to a government shutdown.
