A fatal collision near the White House has resulted in the arrest of a D.C. man, who faces second-degree murder charges after a pedestrian was killed last Wednesday. The U.S. Attorney's Office identified the suspect as 20-year-old Santana Matthews. Matthews appeared in court last Thursday and was ordered held without bond ahead of a hearing scheduled for January 27.
Police reports indicate that Matthews, driving a Chevrolet Malibu, was traveling on the 1100 block of 16th Street NW when he ran a red light at the intersection with L Street around 3:49 p.m. He collided with a Toyota Corolla before striking Marckell Williams, a pedestrian legally crossing the street. Matthews attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended at the scene, according to Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. The crash also involved three additional vehicles. DC Fire and EMS responded, but Williams did not survive despite resuscitation efforts. Matthews and two others were treated at a hospital for injuries described as not life-threatening.
The Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the incident, with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter is leading the prosecution. Authorities emphasize that the charges against Matthews are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
