Javarry Peaks, a 19-year-old resident of the District, entered a guilty plea on May 2nd for the shooting of a stranger on a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bus in March 2025. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department.
Peaks admitted guilt to charges of aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in Superior Court. Sentencing is set for July 3, 2025, before Judge Rainey Brandt, with Peaks facing at least five years in prison.
The incident occurred on March 8, 2025, when both Peaks and the victim boarded a WMATA bus at the Anacostia metro station around 9:30 p.m., along with several other passengers. While traveling along the V2 route, an interaction between Peaks and the victim began as they were seated across from each other. As Peaks stood up to move, he was momentarily blocked by the victim but later continued toward the front of the bus.
At approximately 9:45 p.m., an altercation ensued when the victim attempted to push Peaks off the bus. After briefly exiting and reboarding, Peaks moved past the victim towards the back. Within minutes, while standing near the bus operator at around 9:46 p.m., Peaks asked if he could disembark. As soon as doors opened, he drew a firearm from his left jacket pocket and shot the victim once in the chest before fleeing.
Peaks was apprehended on March 25, 2025, and has remained in custody since then.
The case was investigated by Metro Transit Police Department officers and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Goldstein.
This action aligns with President Donald J. Trump’s ‘Make DC Safe and Beautiful Again’ initiative.