Three Men Convicted in Fatal D.C. Shooting
A D.C. jury returned guilty verdicts against three men for their roles in a 2021 fatal shooting.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Violence
A D.C. Superior Court jury has convicted Demonte Gibson, Tre'Quan Nelson, and Asani Forte on various charges stemming from a 2021 shooting in Northwest Washington. The incident resulted in the death of 34-year-old Delonte King and left 64-year-old Allen Hillyer injured.
Why it matters
The convictions mark a legal resolution to a violent criminal case that previously stalled during a 2025 retrial. This decision provides closure for the victims' families as the court process moves toward final sentencing.
Demonte Gibson was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill. Tre'Quan Nelson and Asani Forte were convicted of conspiracy to commit murder while armed, with sentencing for Gibson set for January 8, 2027.
The players
Demonte Gibson
He is a 28-year-old defendant who was convicted of first-degree murder while armed and other charges.
Metropolitan Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling Washington, D.C., and investigating the shooting.
Delonte King
He was the 34-year-old victim who died from injuries sustained during the 2021 shooting.
Tre'Quan Nelson
He is a 26-year-old defendant found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder while armed.
Asani Forte
He is a 29-year-old defendant convicted of conspiracy to commit murder while armed.
The details
Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW, following the November 3, 2021, shooting. Emergency responders transported both Delonte King and Allen Hillyer to area hospitals after the incident occurred at 2:02 p.m.
Timeline
The shooting occurred on November 3, 2021, at 2:02 p.m.
A previous trial resulted in a hung jury in April 2025.
The jury delivered the guilty verdicts on October 2, 2026.
The court scheduled Demonte Gibson's sentencing for January 8, 2027.
Legal Context
This case reflects the challenges inherent in multi-defendant criminal prosecutions within the District of Columbia. The successful verdict follows a previous attempt in April 2025 that failed to reach a unanimous decision, highlighting the procedural complexity of high-stakes trials.
The resolution of this case brings a conclusion to a long-standing investigation that occurred in a high-traffic area of Northwest Washington. Local residents and business owners in the 14th Street corridor can expect a shift in the legal status of the incident as the court proceeds toward sentencing.
The takeaway
The conclusion of this case underscores the persistent efforts of local prosecutors to secure convictions in complex violent crime investigations. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of local safety alerts as the legal proceedings reach their final stages.
What happens next
The court has officially scheduled the sentencing hearing for Demonte Gibson for January 8, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on recent local criminal proceedings, visit the Violence section.
