Yesterday, a DC Superior Court jury found Nyjell Outler, 22, guilty of voluntary manslaughter while armed in the March 2021 shooting death of 21-year-old Demetris Johnson at a gender-reveal party. The incident occurred on Madison Street NE, Washington, D.C., nearly four years ago.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Outler arrived at the party carrying an AK-style rifle, referred to as a "Draco," in a backpack. He mingled with guests for about 30 minutes before leaving the party and shooting Daloni Williams, then turning the weapon on Johnson and another individual. Johnson died in the backyard, while Williams survived after emergency surgery and a lengthy recovery. The jury also found Outler guilty of aggravated assault while armed for shooting Williams. Sentencing is set for May 30.
Outler had a prior encounter with the law before the party. In February 2021, he was arrested for possession of another Draco and was wearing a GPS monitor at the time of the shooting. The monitor was later found cut off. Outler was on the run until his arrest in Florida in February 2022 following an 11-month manhunt. He was placed on the U.S. Marshal Service’s Top 15 most wanted list, and his capture followed an anonymous tip.
