D.C. Official Indicted After Collision That Killed a Woman in Parked SUV

WASHINGTON -- A Washington, D.C., elected official is facing involuntary manslaughter charges after he allegedly killed a woman changing a flat tire while he was driving drunk.

Devon Lesesne, 32, was indicted by a grand jury after the March 5 collision that killed Katherine Aileen Reyes, 20, on I-495 near Telegraph Road in Fairfax County. He faces as much as 10 years in prison.

Reyes was parked on the shoulder of the road. Her hazard lights were blinking.

Police said Lesesne hit the back of Reyes’ SUV, sparking a fire that was captured on video by bystanders. Reyes died at the scene.

"This is a tragic incident that could have been avoided, and our hearts break for the family of this young woman,” Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano said in a statement. "There are no winners in this situation. I am committed to working toward accountability in a manner that promotes healing for the family and our wider community."

Lesesne is a Ward 8 advisory neighborhood commissioner and a community engagement officer at D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.” His ANC duties are being handled by other commissioners while he awaits trial.

On his LinkedIn page, Lesesne describes himself by writing, “I'm born and raised in Washington DC, father and husband who enjoys fashion, politics and he’s also an active member of the community.”

The self-description adds, “As a Liaison for Mayor Muriel Bowser I developed a better understanding for institutional and governmental frameworks, which helped build on social skills that would aid me in my political career and personal life.”

For more information, contact The Legal Forum (www.legal-forum.net) at email: [email protected] or phone: 202-479-7240.