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Southeast DC Double Homicide Duo Gets Decades Behind Bars
Two men from Washington, D.C. have been sentenced to decades in prison for their roles in a January 2021 murder in Southeast Washington. Delonta Stevenson, 29, and Vorreze Thomas Jr., 26, both of Washington, D.C., were found guilty of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, on the morning of January 18, 2021, Stevenson and Thomas’ vehicle intercepted a vehicle driven by Terrance Allen, 32, as it was leaving the Stanton Glen Apartments. Stevenson fired thirty-four shots with a rifle into the back of Mr. Allen’s vehicle, killing the victim and wounding two other passengers. Mr. Allen was not the intended target, but rather one of the other men in the car with whom Stevenson and Thomas had a dispute.
Following the shooting, Stevenson and Thomas attempted to flee the scene in Thomas’ vehicle. A nearby MPD officer heard the shooting, observed the men fleeing the scene and was given authorization to pursue. Stevenson and Thomas eventually crashed their vehicle at the intersection of 29th and Erie Street SE and successfully fled on foot. Both men were arrested on February 17, 2021.
Delonta Stevenson was sentenced to 85 years in prison by D.C. Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo for his role in the murder. Vorreze Thomas Jr. was sentenced to 53 years in prison by the same judge for his role in the crime. Both men were found guilty on February 1, 2024.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Branch. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack Korba, Miles Janssen, and Zach Horton who investigated and prosecuted the case. The office also acknowledged the efforts of Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris, Lead Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity, and several other staff members who worked tirelessly to bring the case to justice.
The sentencing of Stevenson and Thomas brings closure to the families of the victims and serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent crime in our community. The men’s lengthy prison sentences are a testament to the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
As the people of Southeast Washington continue to rebuild and recover from the trauma of this senseless violence, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The Grimy Times will continue to bring you updates on this and other crime stories from around the nation.
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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