In the late afternoon of August 24, 2024, Michael Simpson, a 49-year-old male, was socializing with friends in front of a Citgo gas station in the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, Northeast, Washington, D.C. At approximately 5:35 p.m., a man named Damon Maurice McQuarters approached the group. Without apparent provocation, McQuarters retrieved a handgun from his pocket and fired a single shot, striking Simpson in the head. After the shooting, McQuarters calmly placed the weapon back in his pocket and walked away from the scene.
Emergency services were called to the gas station, and upon arrival, officers found Simpson unconscious and not breathing. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his life-threatening injuries.
Despite all lifesaving efforts, Michael Simpson succumbed to his injuries and passed away the following day, on August 25, 2024.
The Metropolitan Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide and released surveillance camera footage of the suspect to the public, asking for assistance in identifying him. On September 25, 2024, just over a month after the fatal shooting, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested 43-year-old Damon Maurice McQuarters. He was subsequently charged with First Degree Murder While Armed.
On May 30, 2025, Damon McQuarters pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree murder. He was later sentenced to 22 years in prison for the murder of Michael Simpson, followed by five years of supervised release.
