Related Federal Cases
- Azriel Ethan Echavarria, Armed Carjackings, District of Columbia 2022 · Maryland
- Curtis Fogg, Armed Robbery Spree, DC 2014 · Alabama
- Jerome A. Proctor Jr, Armed Robbery and Assault, DC 2023 · Maryland
- Jalique Wiseman, Trail Robberies, District of Columbia 2023 · Massachusetts
- James Borum, Armed Carjacking, District of Columbia 2021 · Maryland
Three D.C. Men Indicted in Brazen Armed Robbery & Carjacking Spree
WASHINGTON D.C. – A wave of terror gripped commuters and small business owners in Washington D.C. and Maryland earlier this year as a trio of masked men allegedly embarked on a relentless campaign of armed robberies and carjackings. Federal prosecutors have now indicted Tyrell Jordan Stewart, 24, Joenathan Nelson, 25, and Azriel Echavarria, 20, all of Washington, D.C., on a slew of federal charges stemming from the crimes.
The indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, details a pattern of meticulously planned, early-morning attacks. Between January 19th and March 4th, 2022, the group allegedly hit convenience stores, targeted individuals on streets and at work, and even hijacked vehicles. On February 18th, a particularly brazen day, the trio allegedly carried out four armed robberies in just 95 minutes across Northwest and Northeast Washington. Two days later, they allegedly struck convenience stores in Rockville and Kensington, Maryland, within a mere ten minutes of each other.
Authorities say the crew operated with chilling efficiency, often donning dark clothing and masks to conceal their identities. They allegedly used both their own vehicles and stolen cars to facilitate the robberies and make quick escapes. The charges are substantial. Stewart faces 14 counts, including conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, conspiracy to commit carjacking, six counts of armed robbery, one count of robbery, five counts of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle, and a firearms offense. Nelson is facing a staggering 21 charges, including the same conspiracy charges, eleven counts of armed robbery, one count of robbery, six counts of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle, and a firearms offense. Echavarria, facing five counts, is charged with conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, conspiracy to commit carjacking, two counts of armed robbery, and a firearms offense.
Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), alongside the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of D.C., the Prince George’s County, Maryland, Police Department, and the Montgomery County, Maryland, Police Department, worked collaboratively to build the case. Christopher Amon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, played a key role in the investigation. However, the details released show the scope of the crimes and the impact on the communities targeted.
As of today, Stewart was arrested and made his initial court appearance. Nelson is currently detained pending proceedings in Montgomery County, while Echavarria is already incarcerated after pleading guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in D.C. on April 28, 2022. Despite the arrests, prosecutors are quick to emphasize that an indictment is merely a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains ongoing, and federal authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or suspects. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. The brazen nature of these crimes serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to combat violent crime in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
