Santana Matthews, a 20-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Marckell Williams, age 26. The incident occurred on January 7, 2026, near the White House.
According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Matthews appeared before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey G. Jones on January 8. Judge Jones determined there was probable cause for the charge and ordered Matthews to be held without bond until a preliminary hearing set for January 27.
Authorities report that at about 3:49 p.m., a Chevrolet Malibu driven by Matthews was traveling southbound at high speed on the 1100 block of 16th Street NW. The vehicle entered an intersection against a red light and collided with a Toyota Corolla moving eastbound on L Street with a green light. The impact pushed the Malibu into Marckell Williams, who was crossing 16th Street in the crosswalk with the right-of-way. Three other vehicles stopped at the red light were also damaged.
Matthews allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by police officers at the scene. Emergency responders declared Mr. Williams dead after unsuccessful lifesaving efforts. Matthews and two other individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals.
Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined in announcing these developments. The case is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter.
“These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”