Santana Matthews, a 20-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed following the death of 26-year-old Marckell Williams on January 7, 2026. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to authorities, Matthews appeared before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey G. Jones on January 8, 2026. Judge Jones found probable cause for the charge and ordered that Matthews be held without bond until a preliminary hearing set for January 27, 2026.
The incident took place at around 3:49 p.m., when a Chevrolet Malibu driven by Matthews was reportedly traveling at high speed southbound in the 1100 block of 16th Street Northwest. The vehicle entered the intersection with L Street against a red light and collided with a Toyota Corolla that had the right-of-way. The impact caused the Malibu to strike Mr. Williams as he walked eastbound in the crosswalk across 16th Street.
Three other vehicles stopped at the red light northbound on 16th Street were also damaged during the collision. Authorities state that Matthews attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by responding officers. Emergency personnel responded to the scene; despite efforts to save him, Mr. Williams was pronounced dead.
Matthews and two additional victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined U.S. Attorney Pirro in making this announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter.
“These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
