Frederick Etheridge, a 16-year-old from Washington, D.C., has been charged as an adult in connection with two violent offenses: an armed carjacking and an armed robbery, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia on Thursday.
Etheridge faces charges for an October 2024 carjacking and a January 2025 robbery. On October 25, 2024, Etheridge and another individual allegedly approached a victim sitting in their parked car. They held the victim at gunpoint, demanding the car keys and phone, while also forcing the victim to unlock the phone. Etheridge reportedly threatened the victim, saying, “Don’t make me kill you.” The suspects then stole the vehicle and drove off. Using an Apple Watch tracker, the victim was later able to locate the stolen car.
On January 3, 2025, Etheridge and an accomplice allegedly targeted another victim shortly after they had parked. Etheridge pulled out a gun, and the suspects took the victim’s bag, credit cards, and other belongings before fleeing the scene.
Etheridge was arrested on February 19, 2025, after officers executed a search warrant at his home. During the search, Etheridge was seen throwing a black rifle out of his bedroom window before being taken into custody.
Under Title 16, individuals 16 or older charged with serious violent offenses like armed robbery or murder can be prosecuted as adults in Washington, D.C. Etheridge’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2025.
These charges are allegations, and Etheridge is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
