Arrest Made in February Murder Case
A man has been detained in relation to the murder of Saeed Hamad Hussein, a 40-year-old resident of northwest Washington. Hussein was discovered deceased in his apartment located in the upscale Logan Circle area. Authorities described the crime as “particularly heinous,” involving robbery, violent assault, and post-mortem arson.
Rico Rashard Barnes, 36, from Northwest D.C., was arrested on Monday and faces charges of armed first-degree murder concerning Hussein’s death.
Police have identified another suspect who is already in custody for unrelated charges and is expected to be charged in this case as well.
The incident took place in the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue NW, a busy location known for its restaurants and high-end residential buildings.
“This incident was particularly brutal,” Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeff Carroll stated during a press conference. “Mr. Hussein was found with blunt force trauma and burns within his apartment.”
Firefighters responded to a smoke alarm around 3:30 a.m. on February 11, entering Hussein’s apartment where they extinguished a small fire and found him unconscious and not breathing.
He was declared dead at the scene.
According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the death was determined to be a homicide caused by blunt force trauma and strangulation.
Authorities established that the fire was set after Hussein’s death.
Court documents reveal a disturbing account of the events. Surveillance footage showed Hussein entering the building around 1:30 a.m., closely followed by two men.
“The video indicates two suspects were behind Mr. Hussein as he entered the building,” stated Commander Kevin Kentish from the Criminal Investigation Division. “Not long after, the suspects knocked on the door, and Mr. Hussein let them inside.”
Contact escalated once they entered, as police indicated the footage and witness statements showed Hussein being assaulted in the lobby, punched, and forced to the ground before being dragged to an apartment. Detectives believe the assault continued off-camera.
When emergency services entered the apartment, they found Hussein face down with his wrists and ankles bound, along with blood stains on the floor, walls, and furniture.
An autopsy showed multiple injuries, including a skull fracture and signs of ligature strangulation.
The burns on Hussein’s body were determined to have occurred after his death. Investigators believe the murder unfolded during a robbery.
An investigation of the apartment revealed open drawers and missing items, including electronics, jewelry, and cash, totaling about $50,000.
“Video evidence played a crucial role in this case,” Kentish commented, noting that detectives spent a significant amount of time reviewing footage from the area.
Surveillance tracking indicated the suspects left the building around 2:30 a.m. carrying several bags.
Detectives traced them throughout Northwest Washington, utilizing security camera footage with assistance from Metro Transit Police.
The suspects were seen walking along Rhode Island Avenue and then boarding a Metro bus, before continuing on foot. Through this, police identified Barnes as one of the suspects.
Evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, helped link a second suspect, Alphonso Walker, to the crime.
Barnes was taken into custody on March 30 by members of the Metropolitan Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Authorities do not believe there are any additional suspects involved in the case.
Investigators also reported that Hussein likely had no prior relationship with the suspects before the day of the incident.
Carroll commended the efforts of homicide detectives and partner agencies, referring to their work as “strong detective work.” He expressed condolences to Hussein’s family and friends, acknowledging that while this news won’t alleviate their pain, it may offer some closure.
Barnes remains in custody as the case proceedings move forward in D.C. Superior Court.
