Wali Shabazz Guilty of Manslaughter for Stabbing Co-Worker, Martin Gross Jr.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

WASHINGTON – Wali Shabazz, 51, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty yesterday, by a Superior Court jury, for a stabbing incident that took place on the sidewalk of Audi Field, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Shabazz was found guilty of one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon on September 16, 2026. The Honorable Judge Danya Dayson scheduled sentencing for November 13, 2026.  

According to the government’s evidence, on the early evening of April 27, 2024, just prior to a D.C. United soccer game, Shabazz and the victim, Martin Gross Jr., were scheduled to work at the bike valet service provided at the T and 2nd Street SW corner of Audi Field.  The two men barely knew each other. When Mr. Gross arrived very late to his shift and tried to apologize to the other valets, everyone but the defendant acknowledged Mr. Gross’s efforts.  The victim, feeling disrespect by Shabazz, began to confront Shabazz by calling him names and getting in his face.  When the bike valet owner dismissed Mr. Gross from his shift for this disruption, Mr. Gross gathered his bookbag to leave and again confronted Shabazz.  After Mr. Gross got in Shabazz’s face once again and jabbed at him with just his fists, Shabazz pulled out a sharp item, likely a knife, and stabbed Mr. Gross such that Mr. Gross fell to the ground.  As Mr. Gross laid face up on the ground, Shabazz stabbed him in the chest and then around the torso area a total of 12 times, ultimately killing him.  Shabazz was arrested on scene.   

Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jin Park.