WASHINGTON, D.C. — A man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of his significant other after calling authorities to report the incident.
Police responded to the 700 block of Girard Street, Northwest, on Sunday morning, just before 9 a.m., after a man called to say he had killed his partner. Upon arrival, officers found an adult woman unconscious and showing signs of trauma. Despite efforts by D.C. Fire and EMS, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado, a resident of Northwest D.C. The suspect, 42-year-old Mario Miguel Banegas Deras, remained at the scene and was taken into custody by police.
Investigators have classified the offense as domestic in nature. Banegas Deras was charged with second-degree murder while armed and transported to the Homicide Branch for further processing.