David Key, 39, Guilty of 2024 Stabbing Death of Devon Greenfield, 33

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Defendant Slashed Victim in Face, Ordered Him to Empty His Pockets, Then Stabbed Him Multiple Times

WASHINGTON – David Key, 39, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today in D.C. Superior Court, on charges stemming from the death of 33-year-old Devon Greenfield in Northeast, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.   

Key was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder while armed and one count of second- degree murder while armed. Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled sentencing for November 20, 2026. 

According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 7:04 p.m., on April 1, 2024, surveillance video captured Key and Mr. Greenfield, who knew each other, standing on the sidewalk in the 300 block of 61st Street NE. The defendant got in the victim’s face to yell at him and then slashed Mr. Greenfield in the face. As Mr. Greenfield lay dazed on the ground, Key ordered him to empty his pockets. When the victim did not comply, the defendant repeatedly stabbed the victim in the chest and back – including three stab wounds to the heart. After several minutes, Key walked off, and the victim collapsed dead on the curb of the street.  

Key was stopped two days later on April 3, 2024, wearing the same gray coat, black backpack, and black shoes he was wearing in the homicide video. He also had a knife in his left pocket that was consistent with the type of knife used to inflict the decedent’s injuries. DNA evidence from the crime scene further linked Key to the offense.   

Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.  

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Clarke and Joshua Hall.