A D.C. man has entered a guilty plea in connection with a fatal shooting that took place over a year ago. Quateze Moore, 46, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in the death of Martinez Robinson, according to a statement from the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. On August 23, 2024, Robinson was shot three times by Moore after a confrontation in a Northwest D.C. park.
Moore also admitted guilt to armed possession of a quantity of drugs with the intent to distribute. These charges stemmed from the January 1, 2025, arrest when police discovered a firearm under Moore's seat and a clear plastic bag containing substances that tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone in close proximity to where Moore was seated. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on March 27, before Superior Court Associate Judge Jason Park, who ordered that Moore be held without bond, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported.
The incident that led to the guilty plea occurred when Moore and Robinson met at the 14th and Girard Street Park. Following a brief encounter, Robinson was pursued by Moore and was fatally wounded as he attempted to flee the scene, the U.S. Attorney's Office disclosed. Moore's dog, Ace, was also caught in the gunfire and died. In his plea, Moore acknowledged that his actions were not in self-defense.
An investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department led to Moore's apprehension. The victim, Robinson, was found to be carrying Glock 23 .40 caliber firearm with a laser and a "giggle-switch," although there was no indication that he fired it during the incident. MPD officers located the weapon and drugs during Moore's arrest on New Year's Day of 2025. Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined in the announcement of Moore's plea. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Dinan.
