D.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting Toddler to Death in Southeast

WASHINGTON – Charles Rucker, 25, of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty today in connection with the July 5, 2025, shooting death of a three-year-old girl in Southeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

“This defendant opened fire on a family’s car with complete disregard for human life, and his actions took the life of innocent three‑year‑old Honesty Cheadle,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This kind of senseless violence devastates families and communities. It will not be tolerated. We will continue to pursue justice aggressively and hold violent offenders accountable, especially when their actions harm the most vulnerable among us.”

Rucker pleaded guilty before D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt to one count of first-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The plea agreement calls for a sentence of 35 years’ incarceration. Judge Brandt scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2026. 

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2025, the 3-year-old victim and her family had just returned, in their vehicle, from enjoying attending several cookouts and fireworks at celebrations for Independence Day. When they reached the 1000 block of 14^th Street SE, they made a U-turn and parked their vehicle on the east side of the street. Shortly after parking the vehicle, Rucker, who was seen on surveillance video, walked into the area and began to fire several shots in the direction of a parked car that the toddler and three of her family members occupied. After the shooting, Rucker attempted to collect and remove evidence from the scene. The toddler was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and succumbed to her injuries on July 7, 2025. 

Rucker was arrested on July 12, 2025, and has been in custody since.

Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

This case was investigated by the Homicide Major Case Section of the Metropolitan Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma McArthur and Stephanie Dinan.

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