Derrick Gladden, 55, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty on Mar. 11 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for shooting Christopher Seward during a dispute in April 2024, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced.
The case is significant as it involves a prior felon being convicted on multiple serious charges related to gun violence. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about firearm offenses and public safety in the community.
A jury found Gladden guilty of aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2026 before Superior Court Judge Brandt Rainey.
According to government evidence presented at trial, the shooting occurred on April 15, 2024. The victim was standing on the first-floor patio of his friend’s apartment in the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue SE when Gladden confronted him over an ongoing money dispute. Gladden then shot Seward once in the chest. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries but survived due to receiving a blood transfusion through the Whole Blood Program launched that month. However, Seward died from cancer in April 2025 before he could testify.
Police identified Gladden as the shooter based on information from Seward and obtained an emergency search warrant for his residence. Officers found ammunition matching a casing at the scene along with firearms accessories and a holster. A neighbor also provided Ring camera footage showing Gladden fleeing after the shooting. He was arrested on July 4, 2024 and has remained in custody since then.
The Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case with Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll joining Pirro in announcing the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Eliot Folsom and Natalie Anderson are prosecuting.
