Keyonte Johnson, a 16-year-old from Washington, D.C., has been arrested and charged as an adult with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the fatal shooting of Roy Bennett, Jr., age 20. The incident occurred on December 5, 2025, in Northeast Washington, D.C.
On February 27, 2026, Judge Michael Ryan determined there was probable cause to proceed with the charge and ordered Johnson to remain in custody until trial. Johnson is scheduled for a status hearing before Judge Ryan on March 26, 2026.
According to court documents, Johnson, Bennett, and several others were inside an apartment at The Gantry near Union Market. The space was being used as a recording studio. While Bennett was recording music, Johnson—who was sitting behind him on a sofa—began shooting. Bennett was shot seven times, including twice in the back of the head and twice in the chest. After the shooting, Johnson left the scene using a rideshare service.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi is prosecuting.
Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro in announcing these developments.
“These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
2025 CF1 017939
