WASHINGTON, D.C. – Another member of the notorious Kennedy Street Crew, or KDY, has confessed to a reign of terror that gripped the D.C. metro area in early 2022. Azriel Ethan Echavarria, 22, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), conspiracy to commit carjacking, and armed robbery, admitting his role in a string of brazen attacks targeting individuals and businesses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Echavarria and his crew systematically preyed on victims, committing at least five commercial robberies, two armed carjackings, and a dozen other armed robberies over just three months. The spree wasn’t random; authorities say the KDY, one of the largest and most active gangs in Northwest D.C., specifically targeted locations and individuals for profit. If a vehicle was occupied during a planned theft, Echavarria and his associates allegedly didn’t hesitate to use firearms, force, and intimidation to seize it.
Details revealed in court filings paint a grim picture of the crew’s methods. On February 8, 2022, Echavarria and his accomplices stole a Toyota Rav4, then drove to a convenience store in Silver Spring, Maryland. There, Echavarria allegedly confronted a delivery man making a drop-off, brandishing a handgun. The delivery man was punched and pistol-whipped before having his wallet and merchandise stolen. The stolen Rav4 served as the getaway vehicle. Less than two weeks later, on February 20th, the crew stole a Honda Ridgeline in Silver Spring, continuing their pattern of violence and theft.
This guilty plea comes on the heels of a 15-year sentence handed down to co-conspirator Tyrell Jordan Stewart, 25, of Washington, D.C., earlier this month. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated they would have proven at trial that Echavarria conspired with Stewart and another accomplice to execute the crime spree. The government’s evidence points to the KDY’s established territory and substantial membership within the District, suggesting a wider network of criminal activity.
Federal agents from the ATF, along with the Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police, Montgomery County Police, and the DEA, all collaborated on the investigation. The case highlights the ongoing battle against gang violence and the persistent threat posed by crews like the KDY. Echavarria is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, and faces a significant prison term for his crimes. The U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves’ office has not commented on potential further investigations into the KDY.
The evidence suggests a calculated operation, with the crew stealing vehicles not just for use in robberies, but also to sell for profit. The hallmark of their crimes, according to investigators, was the deliberate use of force and violence against victims – a tactic designed to instill fear and ensure compliance. The Department of Justice has yet to announce if further members of the KDY will be charged in connection with this or other criminal activity.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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