DC Man Arrested in Infant Homicide
Police have taken a 40-year-old suspect into custody regarding the death of a 2-month-old infant in Southeast DC.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Violence
Police arrested 40-year-old Demetrius Beatty on charges of first-degree felony murder and cruelty to children. The arrest follows the death of a 2-month-old infant, Khamyah Honesty, who died from blunt force trauma.
Why it matters
The investigation seeks justice for a young victim after the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner formally ruled the infant's death a homicide. Authorities acted on a DC Superior Court warrant to secure the suspect in custody.
Demetrius Beatty is currently in police custody facing charges of first-degree felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children. These charges follow a medical ruling of homicide regarding the death of a 2-month-old infant.
The players
Demetrius Beatty
He is a 40-year-old suspect arrested on first-degree felony murder and cruelty to children charges.
Khamyah Honesty
She was a 2-month-old infant who died from blunt force trauma.
Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force
This inter-agency unit is responsible for locating and apprehending fugitives in the Washington area.
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
This agency investigates deaths in the District of Columbia to determine the cause and manner of mortality.
DC Superior Court
This is the primary trial court for the District of Columbia that issued the warrant for the suspect's arrest.
The details
Officers initially responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at the 800 block of New Jersey Avenue on August 16. The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force later located and arrested Beatty to face the filed charges.
Timeline
August 16, 2026: Officers responded to the scene at the 800 block of New Jersey Avenue.
August 18, 2026: The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the infant's death a homicide.
September 16, 2026: Police arrested Demetrius Beatty on an outstanding warrant.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard investigative pattern established by the District of Columbia's homicide clearance protocols for handling infant fatalities. The legal process highlights the city's focus on securing warrants for violent crimes involving vulnerable populations.
The arrest of the suspect aims to resolve a serious criminal case within the local community. Residents can expect continued police focus on child safety and the enforcement of protective mandates in the Southeast DC area.
The takeaway
Authorities emphasize the importance of timely reporting in suspected cases of child abuse to ensure official investigations can proceed. Community members are encouraged to report any signs of child endangerment to local law enforcement immediately.
Further reading
For more information on public safety incidents, visit the Violence section.
