Keyonte Johnson, a 16-year-old from Washington, D.C., has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Roy Bennett, Jr. The incident occurred on December 5, 2025, in Northeast Washington.
On February 27, 2026, Judge Michael Ryan determined there was probable cause to proceed with the charge and ordered Johnson to remain in custody until trial. Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 26, 2026.
Court documents state that the shooting took place inside an apartment at The Gantry, a luxury building near Union Market that was being used as a recording studio. Several people were present when the victim was recording a song. Johnson allegedly shot Bennett seven times while seated behind him on a sofa, striking him twice in the back of the head and twice in the chest. Afterward, Johnson reportedly left the scene using a rideshare service.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi. Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro in announcing the charges.
“These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” according to officials.