Monday, December 16, 2024

Defendant Shot Victim, Then Set Her on Fire

            WASHINGTON – Michael Wells, 53, of Hyattsville, Maryland was arraigned by Superior Court of the District of Columbia Judge Michael O’Keefe on one count of first degree while armed, premeditated murder, one count of second degree murder while armed, one count of arson, one count of tampering with physical evidence and related weapons offenses.  The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            According to the indictment and related court documents, Wells shot Makia Mosby with a firearm and set her body on fire in an incident that occurred on November 24, 2005, causing injuries from which Makia Mosby would not survive.  Following the indictment, Wells was arrested on December 12, 2024.

            If convicted, Wells faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and five years of supervised release.

            In announcing the indictment and arraignment, U.S. Attorney Graves, commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department and acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Vinet Bryant, who is prosecuting the case.

            An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.