Desmond Thurston, 48, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for killing his ex-romantic partner, Patricia Johnson, in her home on October 1, 2023. The plea was entered on February 4, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Sentencing is set for June 5, 2026 before Judge Rainey Brandt.
According to evidence presented by prosecutors, Johnson contacted authorities on September 28, 2023, reporting that Thurston had threatened her. She obtained a Temporary Protection Order against him the following day. On September 30, police visited Johnson’s residence twice to inform Thurston he could retrieve personal items with an escort but was not permitted to stay at the home.
Despite these warnings and the court order, Thurston returned early in the morning of October 1 and forced entry into the residence by breaking a chain lock. He went upstairs where Johnson and a minor family member were sleeping in separate rooms. After a brief exchange in the hallway with Johnson, Thurston shot her through her left wrist and neck. While she was on the ground, he shot her again in the chest. After searching through Johnson’s devices, Thurston left; this allowed the minor witness to call emergency services.
Thurston later surrendered himself to police after disposing of his firearm and informed officers he believed they were seeking him for murder. He has been held in custody since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the plea along with Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. The case was investigated by MPD’s Homicide Branch and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zach Horton and Wes Faulkner Jr.
