WASHINGTON, D.C. — New court documents have released additional details surrounding the fatal pedestrian strike that occurred Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of 16th Street and L Street Northwest. According to charging documents, the crash occurred on January 7, 2026, at approximately 3:51 p.m., involving five vehicles and a pedestrian who was legally crossing the street in the south crosswalk. Investigators say surveillance footage shows a Chevy Malibu traveling southbound at a high rate of speed entering the intersection against a red light, striking a gold Toyota Corolla before veering into the crosswalk and striking the pedestrian, who had the right of way. The pedestrian was then struck by additional vehicles as a result of the initial impact. The pedestrian sustained fatal blunt-force trauma to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy will be conducted. Police say the driver of the Chevy Malibu fled the scene on foot, removing his jacket and discarding items along the route. Responding officers recovered a black coat and a freezer bag containing suspected marijuana, along with a digital scale. The driver was later identified as Santana Zaki Matthews, 20 years old, with a date of birth of December 7, 2005. A records check revealed Matthews did not have driving privileges in the District of Columbia at the time of the crash. Matthews was located, arrested, and transported to a hospital for treatment of facial injuries before being formally charged. Court documents state he admitted to traveling approximately 60 miles per hour through the intersection and denied seeing the pedestrian. Multiple witnesses confirmed the Malibu ran the red light prior to the crash. Several other drivers involved sustained minor injuries and were treated at area hospitals. The investigation remains ongoing as the case proceeds through D.C. Superior Court. KillmoeNews will continue to follow developments as they become available.

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