Joseph Jennings Jr. Gets 24 Years for DC Home Invasion Murder

Joseph Jennings Jr., 36, of Washington, D.C., is going away for 24 years after pleading guilty to the armed second-degree murder of Matthew Shevlin during a violent home invasion in Northwest D.C. The sentence, handed down today by Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan, marks the end of a case rooted in greed, drugs, and deadly force.

The attack unfolded on the morning of January 22, 2016, when Jennings, high from a night of drug use in Southeast D.C., teamed up with two men to break into a condo in the 400 block of M Street NW. Their target: a stash of marijuana. At 9:48 a.m., Jennings used a tool to pry open the building’s front door. While one accomplice stood lookout, Jennings and the other man moved toward the unit through a sliding glass balcony door.

Matthew Shevlin, 37, bolted out the front door, screaming for help. Jennings gave chase. Shevlin broke free, but doubled back to defend his home. He hurled a flower pot at one intruder and re-engaged Jennings in a physical struggle. That’s when Jennings pulled a gun and opened fire. Shevlin was hit multiple times and died at the scene.

Jennings admitted to the killing, pleading guilty in October 2016 to second-degree murder while armed. The charge carries no room for soft sentencing — especially with evidence showing premeditation and violence fueled by theft. In addition to 24 years behind bars, he will face five years of supervised release upon his eventual freedom.

U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, who announced the sentence, praised the Metropolitan Police Department for their rapid response and thorough investigation. He also highlighted the work of Victim/Witness Advocate James Brennan and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman from his office, whose support was critical in moving the case forward.

The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Misler, who secured the plea and ensured Jennings would face hard time. No accomplices were charged in the murder, though one admitted to taking a mason jar of marijuana from the apartment. For Shevlin’s family, the sentence brings a measure of justice — but no return for a life cut short by a home invasion that never should’ve happened.