Arrest made in DC apartment killing where fire was set after victim death
Washington, DC — A man has been arrested in connection with a killing inside a Northwest apartment where investigators say a fire was deliberately set after the victim had already been killed.
The incident occurred February 11 at approximately 3:33 a.m. in the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue Northwest, when emergency crews responded to reports of smoke inside a building.
Firefighters entered an apartment, extinguished a small fire, and found an adult man unconscious and not breathing. The victim showed signs of blunt force trauma and thermal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim was later identified as 40-year-old Syed Hammad Hussain of Northwest Washington.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, determining the cause as blunt force trauma and strangulation. Investigators concluded the fire was intentionally set after the victim’s death.
On Monday, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 36-year-old Rico Barnes of Northwest DC. He has been charged with first-degree murder while armed under felony murder provisions.
Detectives have identified a second suspect in the case who is currently in custody on unrelated charges. Officials said no additional suspects are being sought.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Points
- Man found dead in Northwest DC apartment after fire was extinguished
- Victim died from blunt force trauma and strangulation
- Suspect arrested and charged with first degree murder while armed
