Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty to Murdering Wife

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

A homicide defendant admitted to killing his wife during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 15.

Mario Banegas Deras, 42, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the brutal killing of his wife, 35-year-old Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado, on Dec. 15, 2024 on the 700 block of Girard Street, NW.

In accordance with the agreement, Banegas Deras pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed. Due to his plea, the prosecution will not seek to indict him on any greater charges or ask for more severe punishment at sentencing.

The prosecution explained that had the case gone to trial, they had substantial evidence to prove Banegas Deras’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. According to a proffer of facts, on the day of the incident, Banegas Deras was seen on surveillance lurking around the residence. After his wife was seen entering the garage, Banegas Deras was seen following her into it and then shutting the garage door.

The prosecution explained that Banegas Deras then called 911, reporting that he strangled and killed his wife. When officers arrived, they found both individuals and the scene covered in hair and blood. Also found at the scene was a brick covered in blood and a knife in his wife’s neck.

The autopsy determined the manner of death to be homicide and the cause of death to be asphyxia, blunt force injury, and a stab wound.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 8.