Washington, D.C., authorities have closed a tragic chapter in a 2022 murder case with the sentencing of 23-year-old Darius Anderson. Convicted of first-degree murder while armed, Anderson was sentenced Friday to 32 years in prison for the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Israel Mattocks, a well-known shoe reseller.
The killing occurred on June 15, 2022, outside Shoe City at the East River Park Shopping Mall in Northeast D.C. Prosecutors say Mattocks had earlier asked Anderson to help him buy shoes, but an argument ensued inside a nearby store. After leaving the scene, Anderson later returned, ambushing Mattocks outside the store and firing multiple shots. Mattocks was struck at least six times and succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Following a jury trial in September 2024, Anderson was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed and additional related charges. Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo delivered the sentencing, marking the end of a case that underscores the escalating violence in the city over seemingly minor disputes.
Authorities have pointed to this case as yet another example of how small conflicts can quickly turn deadly in a city struggling with rising gun violence. The sentencing, they hope, serves as a strong message against senseless killings.
As Washington, D.C., continues to battle violent crime, this case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence—not just for the victims and their families, but for those who throw away their own futures with deadly decisions.
