WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 29-year-old inmate at the D.C. Jail has died after being stabbed during an altercation inside the facility, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The incident marks the second inmate death in the jail this year.
The fatal incident occurred on Monday, May 13, at the DC Department of Corrections Central Detention Facility in Southeast Washington.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., jail staff were alerted to a violent fight between two incarcerated individuals. Upon arriving at the scene, officials discovered Carlos Shelley, a Southeast D.C. resident, unconscious and suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Despite immediate efforts by staff to administer life-saving measures, Shelley was pronounced dead at 2:54 p.m., just minutes after he was found.
Investigation Underway
According to MPD, a preliminary investigation revealed that the stabbing occurred during a physical altercation between Shelley and another inmate. However, the exact cause of the confrontation remains unclear. Authorities have not released information regarding potential motives or whether any weapons were recovered.
MPD officers responded to the facility shortly after the incident. A joint investigation between the Metropolitan Police Department and the DC Department of Corrections is ongoing. No charges or arrests related to the incident had been announced as of Tuesday morning.
Rising Concerns Over Safety in DC Jail
Shelley’s death brings renewed attention to safety concerns within the D.C. jail system. According to an internal report, nine individuals died while in custody of the DC Department of Corrections in 2024.
Shelley’s death marks the second inmate fatality in 2025, and the first since March. Advocates and local officials have previously called for increased oversight, improved mental health services, and a comprehensive review of safety protocols inside the jail.
The DC Jail has faced ongoing scrutiny in recent years, including criticism over overcrowding, staffing shortages, and inadequate medical care. Incidents such as this latest fatal stabbing are likely to further intensify calls for reform and accountability.
Next Steps
The identity of the second individual involved in the altercation has not yet been released, and it’s unclear if charges will be filed. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, review security footage, and gather additional evidence to determine exactly what led to the deadly fight.
The DC Department of Corrections has not issued a formal statement but is expected to cooperate fully with the investigation.
As the case develops, questions about inmate safety and jail conditions in the District are once again taking center stage in public discourse.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department.
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