Washington, D.C. – A carjacking incident ended tragically on Monday afternoon as a suspect carjacked an SUV with a passenger inside from in front of a local hospital and crashed into a nearby building. The victim, identified as 55-year-old Leslie Marie Gaines from Northeast D.C., lost her life as a result of the incident. The suspect, 22-year-old Kayla Kenisha Brown from Southeast, has been charged with carjacking, kidnapping, and felony murder.
The events leading up to the carjacking began with a concerning 911 call from an apartment, prompting police to respond to the scene. Brown’s parents informed authorities that she may have consumed drugs with a man she met on Instagram, leading to her erratic behavior. Following an assessment that revealed elevated vital signs, Brown was taken to Washington National Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, Gaines, the victim of the carjacking, had just completed a physical therapy session at the hospital’s rehab center when she fell ill. Her daughter drove her to the emergency room, parking the SUV with Gaines inside while she sought assistance to move her mother. Seizing the opportunity, Brown entered the vehicle and drove off with Gaines still in the passenger seat.
Tragically, the carjacking led to a fatal crash at 601 D Street Northwest, where Brown attempted to flee but was apprehended by law enforcement. Gaines succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, with an investigation into her cause of death ongoing. Police clarified Gaines’ age was 55, following initial reports labeling her as an elderly parent.
During a court hearing, Brown’s defense attorney argued that the incident did not meet the criteria for carjacking since Gaines’ daughter had left the vehicle unattended. However, prosecutors maintained the charge, stating that Gaines’ daughter had entrusted her with the vehicle, leading to Brown’s arrest and subsequent court appearance.
As the investigation into the crash continues, Brown remains in custody without bond, awaiting her next court appearance. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of carjacking and its devastating impact on families and communities.