URGENT UPDATE: A 76-year-old man from Washington, D.C., has been charged with felony murder in connection with the tragic death of a 17-month-old child. Lawerence Perryman was arrested and made his initial court appearance on March 15, 2025, where he was ordered to be held without bond by Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey Jones.
This shocking case emerges from a distressing incident on March 12, 2025, when Perryman called 911 to report an unconscious child. Investigators later revealed that an autopsy determined the cause of death to be the combined toxic effects of diphenhydramine and methadone, prompting authorities to take immediate action. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia confirmed the charges against Perryman, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur, with the Metropolitan Police Department actively involved in the investigation and announcement of the arrest. A preliminary hearing is set for March 20, 2025, before Judge Neal Kravitz.
This development highlights the critical need for vigilance regarding child safety and the serious implications of substance exposure in young children. As the community grapples with this tragic loss, further details will emerge as the case progresses. Stay tuned for updates on this deeply concerning situation as it unfolds.
