WASHINGTON, D.C. – Christopher Tyler, a 46-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., appeared in Superior Court today facing charges of first-degree felony murder while armed in connection with the killing of Nolan Edwards, 24, which occurred on July 7, 2023, in the Benning neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Tyler’s arraignment was overseen by Magistrate Judge Judith Pipe in Courtroom C-10 of D.C. Superior Court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. After listening to the arguments, the court concluded there was probable cause to believe Tyler committed first-degree felony murder while armed. He has been detained without bond and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 30, 2023, with Judge Michael O’Keefe presiding.
The public is reminded that an arrest and formal charges are merely allegations, and every accused individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith praised the dedicated efforts of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in investigating this case.