WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Washington man has been sentenced to 24-and-a-half years in prison for a deadly shooting at a gender-reveal party in 2021, federal prosecutors announced this week.
Deadly Shooting at Celebration
The violence unfolded on March 20, 2021, at a gathering on Madison Street NE, where family and friends had come together to celebrate a gender reveal.
According to trial evidence, Nyjell Outler, then 19, arrived at the party with an AK-style Draco rifle concealed in his backpack. Outler reportedly confronted three men in the driveway.
When one man, Daloni Williams, extended his arm toward him, Outler pulled out the weapon and fired at point-blank range, striking Williams twice. He then turned the gun on Demetris Johnson, 21, shooting him in the back as Johnson attempted to run away. Johnson died at the scene.
Williams survived after undergoing emergency surgery and extensive physical therapy.
Fugitive for Nearly a Year
At the time of the shooting, Outler was already under court supervision, wearing a GPS ankle monitor from a prior arrest involving another Draco rifle.
After the attack, he fled the scene, cut off his GPS device, and remained at large for nearly 11 months. He was eventually captured by U.S. Marshals in Florida in February 2022.
Outler was later placed on the U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted list, highlighting the national effort to locate and apprehend him.
Conviction and Sentencing
A Superior Court jury convicted Outler in March 2025 of voluntary manslaughter while armed in Johnson’s death, and aggravated assault while armed in connection to Williams’ injuries.
On sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro confirmed that Outler will serve 24-and-a-half years in prison, reflecting the severity of the crimes and his actions following the shooting.
Community Impact
The tragic case underscores the ongoing toll of gun violence in the District. What began as a family celebration turned into a fatal confrontation that left one young man dead, another seriously injured, and a community devastated.
Friends and family of the victims expressed both grief and relief at the sentencing, noting that while justice has been served, the loss remains immeasurable.
Key Timeline
-
March 20, 2021: Shooting at Madison Street NE gender-reveal party; Demetris Johnson killed, Daloni Williams wounded.
-
Post-Shooting: Outler flees, cuts off GPS monitor, and goes on the run.
-
February 2022: Arrested in Florida after nearly a year as a fugitive.
-
March 2025: Convicted by a Superior Court jury.
-
August 2025: Sentenced to 24.5 years in prison.
Key Points
-
Defendant: Nyjell Outler, 22, of Washington, D.C.
-
Victims: Demetris Johnson, 21 (killed); Daloni Williams (survived with injuries).
-
Weapon: AK-style Draco rifle.
-
Charges: Voluntary manslaughter while armed, aggravated assault while armed.
-
Sentence: 24.5 years in prison.
Leave a Reply