The Aftermath of a Tragic Massacre
On September 4, 2021, the Labour Day weekend in Northwest Washington, D.C., was marred by a brutal triple homicide that shocked the community. Six individuals have since been sentenced for their roles in this tragic event, which took place outside 633 Longfellow Street, NW. The case has highlighted the severity of the crimes committed and the subsequent legal consequences faced by those involved.
Convictions and Sentences
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the convictions of six individuals who were charged with 27 felony counts related to the killings. These individuals include Erwin Dubose, Kamar Queen, William Johnson Lee, Damonta Thompson, and Mussay Rezene, all from Washington, D.C., as well as Toyia Johnson from Rockville, Maryland.
The sentencing took place on October 30, 2025, with the court imposing lengthy prison terms on the principal offenders. Dubose received a sentence of 123 years, Queen was given 120 years, and Johnson Lee was sentenced to 105 years for their roles as shooters. Thompson, who was responsible for transporting the attackers to and from the scene, received a 35-year prison term.
Rezene was sentenced to three years for being an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder while armed and for tampering with evidence. Toyia Johnson received a 24-month suspended sentence after being found guilty of tampering with evidence and acting as an accessory after the fact to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Details of the Crime
According to court records, the attack occurred around 7:33 p.m. on the night of the incident. Thompson drove Dubose, Queen, and Johnson Lee to the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW. The trio exited the vehicle and approached Longfellow and 7th Streets, NW, where they opened fire indiscriminately into a neighborhood gathering.
The gunfire resulted in the deaths of Donetta Dyson, 31, Keenan Braxton, 24, and Johnny Joyner, 37. Three other individuals were wounded during the attack. In the aftermath, Johnson, who had rented the getaway vehicle, made multiple false 911 calls, claiming the car had been stolen. Two days later, Dubose and Rezene set the vehicle ablaze on the 4500 block of Eads Street, NE, in an effort to destroy evidence.
Motive Behind the Killings
Investigators determined that the killings were carried out in retaliation for a shooting that had taken place an hour earlier on Oglethorpe Street, NE. This motive adds a layer of complexity to the case, highlighting the cycle of violence that can occur within communities.
Recognition of Law Enforcement Efforts
U.S. Attorney Pirro, along with Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, praised the tireless efforts of MPD investigators. They commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen Kukowski and Charles R. Jones for their successful prosecution of the case. The collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors was crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Conclusion
The sentencing of these six individuals marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities dealing with violence and the importance of effective law enforcement and judicial processes. As the city continues to heal from this tragedy, the focus remains on preventing such incidents in the future and supporting those affected by them.