Arrest Made in Fatal Pedestrian Accident by White House

A man from Washington, D.C. has been taken into custody and accused of second-degree murder while armed following a tragic collision that resulted in the death of a pedestrian near the White House on January 7. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro has confirmed that Santana Matthews, aged 20 and residing in Washington, D.C., has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed in relation to the passing of Marckell Williams, aged 26. The incident occurred at the intersection of 16th Street and L Street Northwest, where a Chevrolet Malibu was reportedly speeding southbound on 16th Street, ran a red light, and collided with a Toyota Corolla at L Street. As a result of the collision, the Malibu struck Williams as he was walking eastbound with the right-of-way in the crosswalk. The impact also damaged three other vehicles that were stopped at a red light on 16th Street. Santana Matthews, the driver and sole occupant of the Malibu, attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended by law enforcement. Despite efforts by D.C. Fire and EMS at the scene, Williams succumbed to his injuries. Matthews, along with two other individuals involved in the crash, was transported to nearby hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening. Matthews appeared before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey G. Jones on January 8, 2026, where the judge established probable cause and ordered Matthews to be held without bond until a preliminary hearing on January 27, 2026. The case is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department and being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter, with Interim MPD Chief Jeffrey Carroll joining in the announcement of the charges.