A brutal shooting in Southeast Washington D.C. has led to a 21-year prison sentence for Darrell Hinkle, 37, who was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed. Hinkle, a resident of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty to the crime on September 4, 2025, in D.C. Superior Court.
According to the government’s evidence, the shooting occurred at 12:01 a.m. on April 21, 2023, outside an apartment complex located at 1511 19th Street SE. Hinkle approached the victim, Dajuan Blakney, who was sitting on the steps leading to the entrance of the complex. When Hinkle was within a few feet of the victim, he shot him with an assault-style rifle, killing him. He then fled the scene in his vehicle.
The defendant was arrested in October of 2023 and has been in custody since. On September 4, 2025, defendant Hinkle pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed in D.C. Superior Court.
In sentencing the defendant, the Honorable Jason Park accepted the agreed-to sentencing range of 17 to 21 years and sentenced the defendant to 21 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. This case was investigated by officers, detectives, and other personnel of the Metropolitan Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the sentence, which was also welcomed by Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Carson is prosecuting the case.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence in our communities. The Grimy Times would like to extend its condolences to the family and loved ones of Dajuan Blakney.
Case No: 2023 CF1 007468
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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