WASHINGTON, D.C. — A D.C. man has been sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Nikia Young, who was gunned down in broad daylight while crossing a Southeast Washington street in 2022. The sentencing brings a measure of closure to a case that shocked the community for its brutal and public nature.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, 31-year-old Johnwann Elliott pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder and attempted assault in connection with the shooting. He was sentenced this week to two decades behind bars, followed by five years of supervised release.
The Day of the Shooting
The tragic incident occurred on March 15, 2022, at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and 23rd Street SE, a heavily trafficked area in Southeast Washington.
Authorities say Elliott got off a Metrobus in the area just as Nikia Young, who was walking with another person, approached the same intersection. Without warning, Elliott pulled out a .380-caliber handgun and opened fire, discharging seven shots in total.
Young was struck five times—once in the face, three times in the chest, and once in the hip. The shooting happened in plain sight, in the middle of the day, with pedestrians and commuters nearby.
Elliott then fled the scene on foot and, in a startling move, boarded the same Metrobus he had arrived on, making his escape as emergency responders were being called to the location.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
After an intensive investigation, Elliott was located and arrested on May 19, 2022, inside a hotel in Washington, D.C. He remained in custody as the legal case progressed.
In 2024, Elliott accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to second-degree murder for the death of Young and attempted assault in connection with the presence of another person with her at the time of the shooting.
Prosecutors said Elliott showed clear intent in his actions and carried out a calculated attack in public, posing an extreme threat to community safety.
Impact and Sentencing
During sentencing, prosecutors emphasized the devastating impact the killing had on the victim’s family and the broader community. Nikia Young, remembered by friends and relatives as a loving and spirited individual, lost her life in an act of senseless violence that left witnesses stunned.
Judge and prosecutors alike pointed to the brazen nature of the crime—carried out in a public space in broad daylight—as a key factor in determining the lengthy prison term.
In addition to his 21-year prison sentence, Elliott will be under court supervision for five years after his release, during which time he must adhere to strict conditions set by the court.
A Reminder of Gun Violence in D.C.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the District, particularly in neighborhoods where public shootings continue to endanger lives and shake communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reiterated its commitment to prosecuting violent offenders and working with local law enforcement to improve public safety.
Anyone with information about other crimes or gun-related activity is encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or submit anonymous tips by texting 50411.
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