Cierra Charity Lee, 20, and Kayvon Edwards, 21, both of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty on Apr. 30 in U.S. District Court to charges stemming from the Oct. 20, 2025 kidnapping and armed robbery of two women in Southeast Washington, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case involves a violent attack where two female victims were lured under the pretense of a babysitting job before being assaulted and robbed at knifepoint. The incident highlights concerns about witness intimidation and violent attempts to obstruct justice.
Lee and Edwards admitted guilt to kidnapping and armed robbery before Judge Christopher R. Cooper. A third defendant, Robynn Danielle Bynum, 18, of Fort Washington, Maryland, had previously pleaded guilty on Apr. 16 to the same charges. Sentencing for Lee is scheduled for August 4; Edwards is set for September 10; Bynum's sentencing date remains pending.
"They lured these women with the promise of a babysitting job, but instead subjected them to a terrifying kidnapping and armed robbery involving a knife and duct tape," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "This was a calculated effort, directed by Edwards from jail, to intimidate and silence a witness connected to a rape case. Such conduct shows a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others. Our office will continue to hold accountable those who resort to violence and coercion to obstruct justice." According to court documents referenced in Pirro's statement, one victim suffered multiple stab wounds while another received knife injuries during an attack that began at a residence near Suitland Parkway.
Investigators found that after restraining their victims with duct tape inside a bathroom—while questioning one about an ongoing rape case against Edwards—the assailants stole phones and car keys before attempting unsuccessfully to drive them out of state due to car trouble.
Authorities later discovered evidence linking all three defendants through monitored jail calls placed by Edwards while awaiting trial for rape in Prince George's County Jail; he instructed his co-defendants on how best not only to carry out but also conceal their actions regarding the targeted witness.
The FBI Washington Field Office along with Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter.
