Woodrow Johnson, 52, was presented Monday with a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 24-year-old Shamika Smith, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing Benning Road in Southeast DC Friday evening.
Charging documents state that shortly after 6 p.m., when Smith was about halfway across the street using a crosswalk, she was struck by a vehicle and thrown into the air. According to the documents, Smith suffered massive blunt impact trauma and was pronounced dead on the scene. She had the right of way, documents say. Four others were injured in the incident.
Charging documents state that Johnson is believed by police to have been driving the car that struck Smith. Detectives believe Johnson was speeding in the wrong lane and that the car’s headlights were not on. At Prince George’s Hospital Johnson told staff he had taken PCP, charging documents state.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 21 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Ronna Beck.
