Man Charged With Second-Degree Murder While Armed Following Fatal Stabbing in Northwest Washington, D.C.
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 5:30 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
WASHINGTON, DC.- The Metropolitan Police Department announced Friday that an arrest has been made in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred earlier this month in Northwest Washington, D.C.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at approximately 4:09 p.m., when members of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s Second District responded to reports of a stabbing inside a building in the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, Northwest, D.C. Members of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division also responded to assist.
Upon arrival, Police Officers located an adult male suffering from apparent stab wounds. Emergency medical personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services arrived shortly thereafter. After assessing the victim and finding no signs consistent with life, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was subsequently identified as 37-year-old John Despertt, who authorities stated had no known address.
Investigators quickly located a suspect in the immediate vicinity of the incident. Police reported that a knife believed to have been used in the attack was recovered. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Jose Perez, also with no known address, was placed under arrest without further incident.
Perez has been charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed. Under District of Columbia law, the charge carries a potential for significant prison time if convicted, particularly given the alleged offense’s armed component.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a possible motive, nor have they indicated whether the victim and suspect were known to one another. The case remains under active investigation.
Officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the stabbing, but law enforcement presence in the area was visible for several hours following the incident as detectives processed the scene and canvassed for witnesses.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or text your information to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. All calls and information will be kept confidential.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and all information in this report is based on official statements released by the Metropolitan Police Department as of Friday, February 27, 2026. Charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Englebrook Independent News will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as new details become available.
