LA PLATA, Md. — A D.C. man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the murders of two women in 2021. A Charles County judge sentenced Deon Watkins, 52, to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of Kandeon Niravanh and Genesis Garrett and related charges.
Before 1 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2021, officers responded to the 2400 block of Hanover Court in Waldorf after someone called police saying a home's front door was open. Several neighbors also reported hearing gunshots coming from the home.
When officers got on scene they found Niravanh and Garret inside, shot dead.
An investigation into the murders revealed that both women were involved in selling marijuana, and Watkins was their supplier. Before the shooting, detectives learned Niravanh and Watkins had an argument over text about a debt that Niravanh owed. Watkins also said he thought she was trying to contact his drug supplier directly.
Using phone records, video surveillance and tag reader information, detectives learned that Watkins drove his car Niravanh's house. Garrett also lived there. Watkins murdered both women. Following the shootings, Watkins' car was caught on surveillance video leaving the scene.
At sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie called the incident a “rage killing” and asked for the maximum sentence under law.
Before sentencing Watkins, the honorable Judge H. James West stated that the incident “was an execution with no purpose other than to say, ‘I was crossed on a business level or I was disrespected.’ This shouldn’t be tolerated in any community.”
Watkins was sentenced to life in prison for both murders as well as an additional 35 in prison for related firearms charges.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.