Prison Term Handed Down to D.C. Man for February 2020 Chinatown Murder and Shooting at Police During Chase

WASHINGTON - Jaykell Mason, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 18 years in prison, in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, for charges related to a deadly shooting that killed 29-year-old Terence Dantzler and led to a police chase on February 13, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Mason pleaded guilty on June 26, 2026, to one count each of second-degree murder while armed and assault on a police officer while armed. Superior Court Judge Jason Park ordered the defendant to the prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release.

"Terence Dantzler was taken in a cold, deliberate act of violence that shattered a family and shook this community," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "The defendant not only executed an innocent man but then fired at an officer who stepped forward to protect others. Our hearts are with Mr. Dantzler's loved ones, and we hope this accountability offers even a small measure of strength as they continue to bear an unimaginable loss."

According to the government's evidence, at approximately 5:06 p.m., on Feb. 13, 2020, Mason, approached Dantzler, in the 700 block of 8th Street NW and the two spoke briefly. During that time, Mason then raised a firearm, aimed at Dantzler's head and fired once, striking Dantzler. The victim fell to the ground after which the defendant then fired two more rounds into Dantzler's body before fleeing on foot. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department caught up with Mason in the 1000 block of H Street NW. Mason fired upon the officers, who then returned fire, striking Mason in the hand. Dantzler was transported to a nearby hospital where he died of his injuries. Mason was apprehended shortly thereafter and has been in custody since.

Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wes Faulkner, Jr.

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