Husband Sentenced to 24 Years for Killing Wife in Northeast D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A man convicted of killing his wife in broad daylight outside their Northeast D.C. apartment has been sentenced to 24 years in prison, bringing some closure to a tragic and violent case that shook the community.

Wyatt Swan, 48, was sentenced on Tuesday for the murder of his wife, Teresa Francisco, whom he fatally shot on October 1, 2024. The sentencing follows his guilty plea to second-degree murder while armed earlier this year.

A Tragic Chain of Events

According to court documents, the fatal encounter began around 1 p.m. inside the couple’s apartment on Eastern Avenue NE. Swan fired a gun at Francisco, wounding her but not fatally. Taking advantage of the moment, Francisco managed to flee the apartment in an effort to escape the escalating violence.

She found temporary shelter in a nearby work van. But her attempt to hide proved unsuccessful. Moments later, Swan located the vehicle and fired multiple shots into it, killing his wife on the spot.

By the time police arrived on the scene, Swan had fled.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Swan’s flight from justice lasted only a day. He was arrested on October 2, 2024, in Prince George’s County, Maryland, by local law enforcement. He was later extradited back to Washington, D.C., on October 7 to face charges.

In January 2025, Swan pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, avoiding a trial but confirming his responsibility in the killing. Despite the guilty plea, the court has not disclosed a clear motive for the crime.

Sentencing and Community Impact

On May 14, 2025, Swan was formally sentenced to 24 years in prison. The courtroom remained somber, reflecting the gravity of the domestic violence case that turned deadly.

Teresa Francisco’s death has become another painful reminder of the dangers faced by victims of intimate partner violence. Advocates in the region continue to emphasize the importance of support systems, early intervention, and community awareness to prevent similar tragedies.

A Call to Action

While the legal case against Wyatt Swan has reached its conclusion, the broader conversation about domestic violence in D.C. continues.

Community leaders urge anyone experiencing domestic abuse or threats to reach out for help. Resources are available through the D.C. Victim Hotline (1-844-4HELPDC) and local shelters and support services.

Swan is now in custody and will serve his sentence in a federal correctional facility.