David Dixon.
An off-duty Pentagon police officer who was charged with the murders of two men in Takoma Park has pleaded guilty.
David Dixon, 42, of Takoma Park, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree assault for shooting at a third person, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office (MCSAO).
The off-duty Pentagon Force Protection Agency officer was charged in April for the murders of Dominique Williams, 32, of Hyattsville, and James Lionel Johnson, 38, of District Heights, according to Takoma Park Police. He had also been charged with attempted second-degree murder against Michael Thomas, 36, of Washington, D.C.
A shooting occurred April 7, 2021 in the parking lot of 7333 New Hampshire Ave., according to police. Dixon fired shots at a vehicle and struck two occupants, according to MCSAO. A detective previously noted Williams and Johnson were shot from behind in the rear upper torso.
Dominique Williams.
According to police, Dixon had told police he confronted the men as he believed they were breaking into a car. He was not wearing a police uniform and police said the case did not involve him in his role as a police officer.
“Now while he was a Pentagon police officer, he had no legal authority, no police powers in the state of Maryland and he was not supposed to use his Pentagon-issued service revolver for personal reasons,” Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy said during a media briefing following the court proceeding Thursday.
“This was outrageous conduct, it was unlawful conduct. It was murder,” McCarthy said.
“We are relieved that Mr. Dixon has accepted responsibility for his actions,” said Marcus Kornegay, Johnson’s cousin who spoke on behalf of the family.
“And now we are prayerful and we will remain prayerful that the Montgomery County justice system will handle his sentencing justly and appropriately.”
James Johnson.
According to Takoma Park Police Chief Antonio DeVaul around the time of the shooting, Dixon was a civilian — not acting in his role as a Pentagon officer — when he allegedly shot and killed the men.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time,” Takoma Park Police stated in a release Thursday following the guilty plea.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 16. Per a plea agreement, Dixon faces up to 30 years in prison and the judge “may or may not” add more suspended time, per MCSAO.
In February, a judge granted a mistrial when the jury was deadlocked.
Photos via MCSAO.
