On the evening of September 4, 2021, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace in the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW in Washington, D.C., leaving a scene of chaos and tragedy. When Metropolitan Police Department officers arrived at approximately 7:33 p.m. after hearing the gunshots, they discovered six people suffering from gunshot wounds. Among the victims was 37-year-old Johnny Joyner, a male resident of D.C.
Tragically, Johnny Joyner, along with two other individuals, 24-year-old
Keenan Braxton and 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Three other victims were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The shooting was believed to be targeted and involved what police described as 'neighborhood crews.' Authorities reported that multiple suspects exited a dark Honda Accord and opened fire on the group of people.
The investigation into the triple homicide led to several arrests. More than a month after the incident, on October 13, 2021, the Metropolitan Police Department, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies, arrested Kamar Queen and Erwin DuBose Jr., charging them with premeditated first-degree murder while armed. In January 2022, a third suspect, 24-year-old Damonta Thompson, was also arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed. A fourth individual, 49-year-old Toyia Johnson, faced charges of tampering with physical evidence in connection to the case. According to court documents, a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the shooting was intentionally set on fire two days after the homicides.
