WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 58-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a woman whose body was discovered inside a dumpster in Northeast D.C. in April, officials announced Thursday.
On the morning of April 19, officers responded to the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, Northeast, after receiving a report of an unconscious person. Inside the dumpster, they located an adult female showing no signs of life. D.C. Fire and EMS pronounced her dead at the scene.
The woman was later identified as 62-year-old Donella Bryan of Northeast, D.C. The following day, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that her death was the result of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The investigation led detectives to obtain an arrest warrant for 58-year-old Richard Lionel Dyson, also of Northeast. On Wednesday, he was taken into custody and charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed.
Investigators concluded that the incident was domestic in nature. No further details about the motive or relationship have been released.
Suspect charged in deadly domestic incident
The arrest follows nearly two months of investigation after Bryan’s body was recovered. Officials have not said how long the victim may have been in the dumpster before being found.
The area surrounding the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue remained closed for hours on the day of the discovery as police canvassed for evidence and witnesses.
Authorities have not released further information about Dyson’s legal representation or court appearances. The case remains under active investigation.
