Teen gunman pleads guilty to cold-blooded bus shooting in D.C.

A chilling act of violence aboard a city bus has led to a guilty plea from 19-year-old Javarry Peaks, who admitted to shooting a stranger point-blank in the chest during a ride through Southeast D.C. in March.

Peaks, a resident of the District, pleaded guilty Friday, May 2, 2025, to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, according to U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Anzallo.

He now faces a mandatory minimum of five years behind bars, with sentencing set for July 3 before Judge Rainey Brandt.

According to prosecutors, the harrowing incident unfolded on March 8, 2025, after both Peaks and the victim boarded a WMATA V2 route bus at the Anacostia Metro Station around 9:30 p.m. What began as a seemingly minor scuffle quickly escalated into bloodshed.

“There was no prior relationship between Peaks and the victim,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Goldstein, who is prosecuting the case. “It was a shocking act of sudden violence in a public space.”

According to FBI, surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts revealed that the two young men had a brief physical altercation before Peaks exited and re-boarded the bus.

Then, in a brazen and calculated move, he approached the front of the bus near the driver, turned sharply, pulled a gun from his jacket, and fired a single shot into the victim’s chest at close range.

The incident happened at 9:46 p.m., just seconds after Peaks asked the operator to open the doors.

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, survived the shooting.

Peaks fled the scene but was apprehended on March 25, nearly three weeks later. He has remained in custody ever since.

The case, described as a stark reminder of rising transit violence, was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department.

“Public safety on our transit systems is paramount,” said Chief Anzallo. “This case sends a clear message: we will not tolerate violence on our buses or trains.”