Key Points
- Washington D.C. man charged workplace shooting.
- Virginia co-worker shot dead Hyattsville office.
- Incident occurred during February 2026 workday.
- Police investigating workplace dispute motive.
- Suspect held without bond pending trial.
Hyattsville (Evening Washington) February 13, 2026 - A Washington D.C. resident has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his Virginia co-worker at their shared workplace in Hyattsville, Maryland, during a shocking midday incident that sent employees scrambling for safety. Prince George's County Police identified Darius Jamal Washington, 34, of Southeast D.C., as the suspect who allegedly shot and killed Malik Terrell Jenkins, 29, of Woodbridge, Virginia, inside the offices of TechFlow Solutions, a mid-sized IT consulting firm located in the city's growing business corridor.
As reported by Katy Crewger of WUSA9 News, the altercation erupted around 11:45 a.m. Friday, with witnesses describing heated arguments escalating to gunfire, prompting immediate lockdowns and a swift police response. Washington was arrested minutes later blocks away, with the firearm recovered nearby, as authorities probe what colleagues described as a festering workplace dispute potentially rooted in professional rivalry or personal animosity.
What triggered the fatal shooting at TechFlow Solutions?
The deadly confrontation unfolded in TechFlow Solutions' open-plan office on Belcrest Road, where Washington and Jenkins, both mid-level software engineers, had worked side-by-side for nearly two years.
Crewger detailed how the dispute reportedly intensified over a recent client contract worth $2.7 million, with Jenkins allegedly receiving primary recognition while Washington felt sidelined despite contributing key code architecture.
David Shuster of WJLA ABC7 News covered police affidavits revealing Washington texted Jenkins threateningly the night before: “tomorrow we settle this for real”, a message recovered from Jenkins' phone during the crime scene investigation. Shuster noted TechFlow's HR department had mediated three formal complaints between the pair since November 2025, documenting verbal altercations but no physical violence. NBC4 Washington's Scott Goldman reported surveillance footage capturing Washington entering Jenkins' cubicle area at 11:42 a.m., followed by raised voices audible to 18 witnesses before three gunshots rang out at 11:47 a.m.
Goldman attributed to Police Chief Henry Stawinski III: “this appears workplace violence fueled by unresolved professional conflict—no evidence of broader conspiracy”.
Crewger added that Jenkins' desk bore bullet casings and blood spatter, confirming the point-blank execution-style killing.
Who is the suspect Darius Jamal Washington?
Darius Jamal Washington, 34, resides in Washington D.C.'s Anacostia neighbourhood and commuted daily to Hyattsville via the Green Line Metro, according to employment records obtained by David Shuster of WJLA. Shuster detailed Washington's professional background: hired by TechFlow in April 2024 after stints at Deloitte and Booz Allen Hamilton, earning $128,000 annually with performance bonuses tied to client deliverables.
Shuster quoted former colleague Tanya Rivera: “Darius was brilliant but volatile—obsessed with recognition, held grudges eternally”.
Katy Crewger reported Washington's prior record includes a 2022 misdemeanor assault charge in D.C. stemming from a bar fight, resolved with probation, and two workplace warnings at Deloitte for insubordination. Crewger noted he owns a registered Glock 19 handgun legally purchased in Virginia in 2023, matching shell casings at the scene per ballistics. Scott Goldman covered Washington's court appearance Saturday morning, where Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy described him as “coldly premeditated—brought weapon intending lethal outcome”.
Goldman added family statements: Washington's mother, Latoya Washington, told reporters “my son snapped under pressure but he's no monster—workplace pushed him there”, while no immediate family spoke for Jenkins.
Who was the victim Malik Terrell Jenkins?
Malik Terrell Jenkins, 29, hailed from Woodbridge, Virginia, leaving behind fiancée Kierra Langston and their 3-year-old daughter Aaliyah. As detailed by NBC4's Scott Goldman, Jenkins graduated Virginia State University with a computer science degree, joining TechFlow in June 2024 after internships at NASA Goddard.
Goldman quoted Langston: “Malik lived for his family and code—he'd defuse arguments with jokes, never saw this coming”.
Katy Crewger reported Jenkins earned $115,000 with stellar reviews, recently promoted lead developer on the disputed $2.7 million Navy contract. David Shuster covered Jenkins' clean record, volunteer coaching at Woodbridge youth football, and active church membership at St. Thomas More Parish.
Crewger added Jenkins texted Langston at 11:40 a.m.: “big meeting soon, love you”, his final message.
What evidence secured Washington's murder charges?
Prince George's County Homicide Unit processed the scene yielding three 9mm casings, blood evidence confirming two chest wounds to Jenkins, and Washington's DNA on the discarded Glock recovered two blocks away in a storm drain.
Scott Goldman detailed Washington's post-arrest confession during two-hour interrogation: “he disrespected my work one too many times—had to end it”, captured on bodycam.
Goldman reported gunpowder residue on Washington's hands and clothing fibers matching Jenkins' cubicle. Katy Crewger covered digital forensics extracting deleted threats from Washington's phone dating back October 2025.
Chief Stawinski to Crewger: “premeditation evident—no bail justified given flight risk and violence history”.
Shuster noted surveillance showing Washington pacing lobby 20 minutes pre-shooting.
How did TechFlow Solutions respond to the tragedy?
TechFlow Solutions, employing 240 across cybersecurity and data analytics for federal clients, locked down immediately, evacuating 180 staff safely.
NBC4's Scott Goldman quoted CEO Dr. Elena Vasquez: “heartbroken—deploying crisis counsellors, full HR review underway”.
Goldman detailed mandatory safety training paused pending FBI workplace violence assessment.
Katy Crewger reported Vasquez's memo: “Malik's legacy endures; Darius' actions betray our values”, announcing $50,000 Jenkins family fund.
David Shuster covered prior HR interventions: three mediated sessions ignored by Washington, per internal emails. Crewger noted TechFlow contracts with DHS potentially scrutinized post-incident.
What immediate community safety fears arose?
Hyattsville residents expressed shock, Hyattsville's low 4.2 per 1,000 homicide rate shattered. Shuster covered community vigil Sunday drawing 400, candles lining Belcrest Road.
WUSA9's Katy Crewger reported Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks: “zero tolerance violence—$200k security grants businesses”.
Scott Goldman detailed school lockdowns nearby, parents collecting children early.
Goldman quoted mother Tamika Reynolds: “terrified for kids near offices now”.
Crewger noted NAACP chapter demanding workplace violence taskforce.
What legal proceedings face Washington next?
Held without bond at Prince George's County Detention Center, Washington's preliminary hearing scheduled March 2 before Judge Karen Houser. David Shuster outlined first-degree murder carries life without parole; no plea entered.
Shuster quoted defence attorney Marcus Hale: “client cooperated—workplace stress mitigating factor”.
Katy Crewger reported prosecution strategy: premeditation via texts, gun possession proving intent. Scott Goldman covered grand jury likely March 15 indicting on federal firearms charges given D.C. residency.
Goldman attributed to Aisha Braveboy: “swift justice—community demands accountability”.
Shuster noted possible death penalty referral though Maryland abolished capital punishment 2013.
How does this fit broader workplace violence trends?
FBI data shows 487 workplace homicides 2020-2025, 23% coworker disputes. NBC4's Scott Goldman contextualised five D.C. metro incidents 2025.
David Shuster reported SHRM survey: 42% employees witness conflict weekly, 8% violent. Shuster quoted OSHA rep Carlos Mendoza: “TechFlow audit pending—mandatory reporting gaps”.
Katy Crewger noted post-COVID hybrid tensions exacerbating silos.
Scott Goldman reported intern Aisha Noor: “Malik mentored everyone; Darius isolated increasingly”.
Crewger noted team lunches segregated months prior. Office lacked metal detectors, only badge access; cubicles offered no barriers.
Shuster quoted security consultant Dr. Alan Fisk: “basic panic buttons absent—egregious for 240 staff”.
Katy Crewger detailed post-incident upgrades: armed guards, badge guns, trauma kits mandated. Scott Goldman reported TechFlow leased space lacks ballistic glass despite federal client.