WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two men from the District have pleaded guilty to violently assaulting, robbing, and carjacking a woman at gunpoint in Southeast Washington, D.C., in early 2025, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
Laithen Bell, 20, and Cornell Jamison, 21, both of Washington, D.C., entered their guilty pleas in Superior Court for their roles in the brutal late-night attack. Bell pleaded guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, while Jamison pleaded guilty to those same charges plus possession of a prohibited weapon — a machine gun.
The Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld accepted their pleas and scheduled sentencing for April 17, where both men face substantial prison terms.
According to court filings, the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on January 22, 2025, in the 4300 block of 3rd Street SE. The victim was returning home when a white van approached, left briefly, and then circled back. As she tried to reach the entrance of her apartment building, several men attacked her from behind. One assailant, armed with a handgun, struck her while the others stole her clothing, phone, keys, and vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Violent robbery under investigation
The Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office coordinated the investigation, identifying Bell and Jamison as two of the attackers. Both men were later arrested and charged after evidence linked them to the car and stolen property.
- Laithen Bell and Cornell Jamison pleaded guilty to armed carjacking
- Victim attacked and robbed outside her Southeast D.C. apartment
- Sentencing set for April 17 in D.C. Superior Court
Prosecutors said the plea reflects an ongoing effort to prosecute violent gun offenders and carjacking rings operating across the D.C. area.
Authorities reaffirm zero tolerance for violent carjacking crimes in D.C.
