Washington, D.C. Man Will Remain Detained After Being Charged In Northwest, D.C. Fatal Pedestrian Crash
Monday, January 12, 2026, 8:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
WASHINGTON, DC.- Last Wednesday, a 20-year-old Washington, D.C., man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred during the afternoon hours in Northwest, D.C., claiming the life of a 26-year-old Marckell Williams.
On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Santana Matthews, 20, of Washington, D.C., was criminally charged with second-degree Murder While Armed. Matthews made his initial appearance on Thursday, January 8, 2026, before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey G. Jones, who found probable cause to believe Matthews committed the offense and ordered him to remain detained pending future court proceedings in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, and charging information filed in the criminal complaint, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, just shortly after 3:45 p.m., a Chevrolet Malibu, being operated by Matthews, traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on the 1100 Block of 16th Street in Northwest, D.C., when he entered the intersection of L Street disregarding a red traffic light.
The Malibu collided with a Toyota Corolla that was traveling eastbound on L Street with a green light. The collision caused the Malibu to strike Mr. Williams, walking eastbound in the crosswalk with the right-of-way, across 16th Street. Three additional vehicles stopped at the red light northbound on 16th Street were also damaged in the collision.
Matthews, the sole occupant and driver of the Malibu, attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by Responding Police Officers and subsequently arrested and formally charged.
DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene of the collision, and despite life-saving efforts, Mr. Williams succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two additional individuals were transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
U.S. Attorney Pirro commended the investigative work of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, which resulted in the criminal complaint being filed against Matthews.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
