Police say Marvin Urquhart was stabbed while working the front door at Wunder Garten.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A security worker at a Northeast Washington beer garden died after being stabbed during a fight with a man who had been denied entry near last call, police and prosecutors said.
The victim was identified as Marvin Urquhart, 45, of Northwest Washington. Police charged Cadoza Simms, 50, of Northwest Washington, with second-degree murder while armed. The case has drawn attention in NoMa, where Wunder Garten is a well-known outdoor beer garden near First Street NE.
Police said officers were called to the 1100 block of First Street NE at about 12:46 a.m. Saturday. Charging documents say Simms had tried to get inside the business after last call and was refused entry by Urquhart, who was working at the door. The two men argued, and investigators said security video showed Simms push Urquhart before stabbing him several times.
After the stabbing, Urquhart held Simms down while a witness called 911, according to court documents. Investigators said Urquhart later stood up, moved unsteadily and retrieved a shoe that had come off during the fight. A witness told police Urquhart did not appear to realize he had been stabbed. He later went inside the business, sat down and used his phone before collapsing.
Responding officers found Urquhart inside the establishment with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital and died there. Police said Simms was arrested at the business. Detectives also recovered a switchblade near the front of the venue, and prosecutors said investigators believe it was used in the attack.
Wunder Garten temporarily closed after Urquhart’s death. In a statement posted online, the business described him as a beloved team member and said staff were heartbroken. A community fundraiser identified him as Marvin Urquhart IV and said he was killed while keeping staff and patrons safe.
The case now moves through D.C. Superior Court. Simms was held without bond after his first appearance Tuesday. A preliminary hearing is set for May 14. At that hearing, prosecutors are expected to present evidence supporting the murder charge, while the defense may challenge whether the case should move forward.
Court records also show Simms had a decades-old criminal case in the District. In 1996, he was charged with first-degree murder while armed, pleaded guilty to a lesser offense and received a 15-year prison sentence. Authorities have not said whether that case has any connection to Saturday’s stabbing.
As of Thursday, Simms remained charged with second-degree murder while armed, and Wunder Garten remained closed while the business mourned Urquhart. The next scheduled court date is May 14.
Author note: Last updated May 7, 2026.