BREAKING: A 76-year-old man, Lawerence Perryman, has been charged with felony murder in the tragic death of a 17-month-old child. This shocking development was confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Perryman was arrested and made his initial court appearance on Friday, October 13, 2025, before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey Jones. The judge found probable cause for the charges and ordered Perryman to be held without bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Monday, October 16, 2025, before Judge Neal Kravitz.
The charges stem from a harrowing incident on March 12, 2025, when Perryman called 911 to report the child was unconscious. An autopsy later revealed that the child’s death resulted from the combined toxic effects of diphenhydramine and methadone, raising serious questions about the circumstances leading up to this tragic event.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur is prosecuting the case, and the Metropolitan Police Department played a key role in the investigation and announcement of Perryman’s arrest.
This case highlights the urgent need for accountability in situations involving child welfare. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community grapples with the implications of this heartbreaking incident.
Perryman is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This developing story continues to draw attention as more details emerge. Stay tuned for updates as this case progresses through the judicial system.
