URGENT UPDATE: A 76-year-old man from Washington, D.C., has been charged with felony murder in the tragic death of a 17-month-old child. Lawerence Perryman was arrested and made his initial court appearance on Friday, March 14, 2025, where he was ordered to be held without bond.
The charges stem from a disturbing incident that occurred on March 12, 2025, when Perryman called 911 to report an unconscious toddler. Emergency responders arrived, but the child was declared dead shortly thereafter. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was a dangerous combination of diphenhydramine and methadone, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
During his court appearance, Magistrate Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause for the charges, leading to Perryman’s detention. A preliminary hearing is set for Monday, March 17, 2025, before Judge Neal Kravitz. The severity of the charges highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences facing Perryman.
Authorities and the Metropolitan Police Department are actively pursuing this case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur leading the prosecution. The community is now grappling with the emotional fallout from this heartbreaking incident.
This developing story raises significant questions about child safety and welfare, putting a spotlight on the tragic loss of young lives. As the case unfolds, many are left wondering about the circumstances that led to this devastating event.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent case as it progresses through the judicial system. The implications are profound, not only for Perryman but also for the broader community concerned about child protection.
