Keyonte Johnson, a 16-year-old from Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged as an adult with premeditated first-degree murder while armed. The charge stems from the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Roy Bennett, Jr. on December 5, 2025. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Johnson appeared before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond in the District of Columbia. Judge Raymond found probable cause for the charge and ordered Johnson to be held without bond until trial.
“This is yet another example of the out-of-control underage crime plaguing the district,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “President Trump is right – it is time to put an end to this predictable violence and time to lower the age of accountability so that I can start prosecuting these young criminals before they commit murder.”
Court documents state that on December 5, Johnson, Bennett, and others were in an apartment near Union Market in Northeast D.C., which was used as a recording studio. While Bennett stood at a microphone, Johnson allegedly began shooting him from behind, hitting him seven times—twice in the back of the head and twice in the chest. Afterward, Johnson reportedly threatened a potential witness.
Investigators executed a search warrant in Maryland where Johnson was arrested. They recovered five magazines (one fully loaded), a box of 10mm ammunition, several iron rifle sights, rifle ammunition, an empty red dot sight box, and clothing matching what Johnson wore during the incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi is prosecuting.
Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Michael Ryan for a preliminary hearing.
Authorities emphasized that charges are allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
