MD Man Pleads Guilty To 2nd-Degree Murder In 2021 Fatal Stabbing In Anacostia

WASHINGTON, DC — Herbert Smallwood, 41, of Suitland, Maryland, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to second-degree murder while armed for fatally stabbing 46-year-old Joseph Ogundoju in Anacostia last year, according to a release.

Around 7 p.m., on June 22, 2021, Smallwood was driving an SUV and following a Ford Focus driven by Ogundoju. The Focus crashed and flipped over in rear of the 1600 block of 17th Place, Southeast, according to court documents.

Smallwood exited the SUV with a knife and stabbed Ogundoju multiple times, authorities say. The victim died a short time later.

During the court case, the prosecution presented a surveillance video showing Smallwood's SUV following the Ford Focus right before the crash. Ogundoju's blood was also found on Smallwood's clothing, according to authorities.

Smallwood had been held in custody since his arrest on June 30, 2021. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Miton C. Lee Jr. on July 22 for sentencing.