WASHINGTON — A D.C. man has been indicted on charges of first-degree felony murder in connection with the death of his 5-year-old son last year, police announced this week.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers responded to the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue NW at approximately 9:44 a.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2024. U.S. Secret Service agents were already on the scene and had located an unconscious child. Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded and, after attempting lifesaving measures, pronounced the child dead at the scene.
The decedent was identified as 5-year-old Deandre Pettus of Northwest, D.C.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy, and the manner of death was initially ruled “undetermined.” MPD’s Homicide Branch took over the investigation, which led to the arrest of the child’s father, 33-year-old Deandre Pettus Sr., who was originally charged with First Degree Cruelty to Children.
Following further investigation, a D.C. Superior Court grand jury indicted Pettus on July 11, 2025, on charges of First Degree Felony Murder and First Degree Cruelty to Children. He is being held pending trial.
Authorities did not release additional details about the circumstances of the child’s death or the evidence presented to the grand jury. The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Homicide Branch, and MPD officials stated that the investigation is ongoing.
