WASHINGTON, D.C. – A D.C. man, Mario Miguel Banegas Deras, 43, received a 24-year prison sentence today for the savage murder of Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado, the mother of his three children. The sentencing, handed down in Superior Court, closes a case marked by brutal violence and a history of abuse.
According to court documents, Banegas Deras pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed on April 15, 2025. Superior Court Judge J. Michael Ryan ordered the 24-year term, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The crime occurred on December 15, 2024, at approximately 6:30 a.m. at 744 Girard Street, NW. The victim had asked Banegas Deras to leave the home just a week prior, citing ongoing physical and emotional abuse.
The evidence presented to the court revealed a calculated and horrifying attack. Banegas Deras lay in wait for Ayala Guardado, hiding inside the apartment building. As she exited to go to the garage, he trapped her inside and unleashed a brutal assault. He strangled her, then repeatedly struck her in the head – over fourteen times – with a brick, and finally stabbed her in the neck. Thirty-five minutes after committing the act, he callously dialed 9-1-1 to confess.
“This illegal lowlife killed the mother of his children in the most heinous way, after abusing her throughout their relationship,” stated U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “Domestic violence is something that we will not tolerate from anyone, particularly those who are not legal citizens of this country who break the law.” Pirro urged anyone in a violent relationship to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Following his arrest, the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a Warrant of Removal/Deportation for Banegas Deras. Upon completion of his 24-year sentence, he will be deported to his native Honduras. This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse and the consequences of violent crime.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith joined U.S. Attorney Pirro in announcing the sentence. Both commended the investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marybeth Manfreda, who successfully prosecuted the case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on developments as they occur.
Related Federal Cases
- D.C. Killer Gets Life for Child’s Murder · Washington
- DC Road Rage: Life for Uber Driver Killer · Washington
- DC Killer Gets 17 Years: Wyoming Prison for Lover’s Shooting · Washington
- 107-Year Term for Teenager’s Killer in Mo. · Washington
- D.C. Killer Gets 17 Years for Cold-Blooded Shooting · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime