Individual Charged with Second-Degree Murder After Victim Dies Due to Complications

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During a hearing on March 13, the prosecution informed DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe of an investigation regarding the defendant’s possible connection to another shooting in 2022.

Riley Benjamin, 32, is charged in connection to a shooting that occurred at the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road, NE, on Feb. 19, 2022. Maurice McRae, 31, endured a gunshot to his back. He succumbed to his injuries on April 27, 2022.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene and found McRae lying on the hallway floor of the apartment building. According to MPD documents, McRae told officers that he had been shot by an unknown individual as he was exiting the elevator.

McRae was left paralyzed after the shooting, and, according to the medical examiner, passed away due to complications from a projectile being stuck next to his spinal cord.

Benjamin was taken into custody in June of 2022, and is awaiting an indictment.

Additionally, the prosecution alerted the judge of current negotiations for a plea deal, yet no offer has been officially made.

A felony status conference hearing is scheduled for May 9.

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