DC Man Charged in 'Heinous' Killing of Resident Found Bound and Burned

Police identify second suspect already in custody on unrelated charges

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:25am

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A 36-year-old Northwest DC man named Rico Rashaad Barnes has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed in the killing of Syed Hammad Hussain, a 40-year-old Northwest Washington resident found dead inside his Logan Circle condominium in February. Police describe the case as 'particularly heinous', involving a robbery, violent assault, and a fire set after Hussain's death.

Why it matters

The killing occurred in the high-profile Logan Circle neighborhood, known for its restaurants and upscale residential buildings. Police say video evidence was crucial in identifying the suspects, highlighting the role of surveillance in solving violent crimes in urban areas.

The details

Firefighters responding to reports of smoke around 3:30 a.m. on Feb. 11 found Hussain unconscious and not breathing inside his apartment, where a small fire had been set after his death. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death as blunt force trauma and strangulation. Surveillance footage shows two suspects following Hussain into his building, knocking on his door, and then assaulting him in the lobby before forcing him back to his apartment, where the attack continued out of view of cameras. The suspects were later seen leaving the building around 2:30 a.m. carrying multiple bags. Authorities say $50,000 worth of items were stolen from Hussain's condo.

  • On February 11, 2026, firefighters responded to reports of smoke around 3:30 a.m. and found Hussain's body.
  • On March 30, 2026, Rico Rashaad Barnes was arrested by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.

The players

Rico Rashaad Barnes

A 36-year-old man from Northwest DC who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed in Hussain's killing.

Alphonso Walker

A second suspect who has been identified and is already in custody on unrelated charges, and is expected to be charged in the case.

Syed Hammad Hussain

A 40-year-old Northwest Washington resident who was found dead inside his Logan Circle condominium.

Jeff Carroll

Interim Metropolitan Police Chief, who described the case as 'particularly heinous'.

Kevin Kentish

Commander of the department's Criminal Investigations Division, who said video evidence was key in the case.

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What they’re saying

“This was a particularly heinous case. Mr. Hussain was found suffering from blunt force trauma and thermal injuries inside of his apartment.”

— Jeff Carroll, Interim Metropolitan Police Chief

“Video evidence was key in this case. Detectives spent countless hours reviewing footage from inside the building and surrounding areas.”

— Kevin Kentish, Commander, Criminal Investigations Division

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Rico Rashaad Barnes to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of surveillance footage in solving violent crimes, as well as the ongoing challenges of preventing and prosecuting robberies and homicides in high-profile urban neighborhoods.