Metropolitan Police Charge Suspect With First-Degree Murder After Victim Dies Nearly Three Years Later
Friday, February 27, 2026, 4:05 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
WASHINGTON, DC.- The Metropolitan Police Department has announced an arrest in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Northeast Washington in 2022, following the recent death of the victim from injuries sustained in the original incident.
According to official information released by MPD and publicly available court records, the shooting occurred on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at approximately 10:20 p.m., in the 300 block of 56th Street, Northeast, D.C.
D.C. Metropolitan Police Officers responded to the location after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, members of the Seventh District located an adult female suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported by D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Initial Arrest And Assault Charge;
On May 9, 2022, 23-year-old Richard Price, of Southeast, Washington, D.C., was arrested in connection with the shooting. At the time of his arrest, Price was charged with Assault with Intent to Kill.
The charge reflected the victim’s critical condition, as she had survived the initial shooting but remained seriously injured. Authorities have not publicly detailed the circumstances leading to the shooting or whether the suspect and victim were previously known to one another.
Victim Dies Nearly Three Years Later;
On May 23, 2025, nearly three years after the shooting, the victim succumbed to injuries sustained during the April 2022 incident.
She has been identified as 28-year-old Danielle Hicks-Best, of Northeast Washington, D.C.
Following her death, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide, clearing the way for prosecutors to seek upgraded charges.
Indictment And Murder Charge;
On February 26, 2026, pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court indictment, members of MPD’s Fugitive Unit responded to the D.C. Jail, where Price was being held, and formally charged him with First Degree Murder While Armed.
The upgraded charge alleges that the killing was committed with premeditation and while armed with a firearm, as defined under District of Columbia law.
Following booking procedures, Price was remanded back into the custody of the D.C. Department of Corrections, where he remains pending further court proceedings.
Under District law, First Degree Murder While Armed carries the potential penalty of decades to life imprisonment if a conviction is secured.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is expected to prosecute the case.
Ongoing Investigation;
The Metropolitan Police Department stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information related to the case to contact law enforcement.
As in all criminal proceedings, the charge is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official statements released by the Metropolitan Police Department and publicly available D.C. Superior Court records as of February 27, 2026. All charges referenced are allegations. Richard Price is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Englebrook Independent News will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as new information becomes available.
