Prosecutors Drop Murder And Kidnapping Charges In DC Carjacking Case

Murder and kidnapping charges against Kayla Kenisha Brown, a 22-year-old from Southeast D.C. accused of carjacking and subsequently crashing a car with a passenger inside, have been dropped. Prosecutors cited the pending ruling from the medical examiner regarding the manner of the passenger’s death as a contributing factor to this decision. However, the judge ordered Brown to remain held without bond on a charge of unarmed carjacking.

The incident unfolded when Brown allegedly seized the opportunity to drive off in a Mazda SUV, leaving Leslie Marie Gaines, 55, still inside. Gaines had been left momentarily in the vehicle by her daughter at MedStar Washington Hospital Center while her daughter retrieved a wheelchair. Brown, who was reportedly with her family at the hospital, walked away from them and took control of the vehicle.

Approximately 19 minutes later, Brown attempted to make a left turn onto D Street but crashed into the building at 601 D Street NW, about 3 miles from MedStar. The building houses the offices of the U.S. attorney and attorney general for D.C. A police officer promptly apprehended Brown, while Gaines was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.

A report presented in court revealed that D.C. Fire and EMS found no injuries to Gaines, and the cause of her death remains uncertain, with speculation about potential trauma or underlying medical issues. Evidence indicated that Gaines had multiple sclerosis and had experienced fainting spells prior to the carjacking.

Authorities have been unable to provide details regarding the 19-minute interval between the carjacking and the crash, as there are no images of the SUV during that time.