A 37-year-old Washington, D.C. resident, Idrissa Fall, has been sentenced to 50 years in a federal correctional facility for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Dara Northern, in 2021. The sentencing was announced by Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, following a unanimous jury verdict in January. Fall was convicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm. In addition to his prison term, Fall will also serve five years of supervised release. Federal prison inmates are not eligible for parole.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of July 18, 2021, outside Northern’s residence in Northwest Washington. Northern’s friend had arrived to pick her up for a night out, unaware that Fall, who Northern had recently ended a relationship with, was waiting outside. As Northern approached her friend’s car, Fall attempted to intercept her, but she continued towards the vehicle.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Fall reached for his waistband as Northern got into the front seat of her friend’s car. He then shot her in the head and fled the scene. Northern was immediately rushed to a local hospital, but was declared brain-dead and later pronounced dead due to her injuries.
Prosecutors revealed to the jury that Northern had planned a celebratory day with her best friend following her breakup with Fall. She was reportedly in high spirits after ending the relationship. Northern’s friend also informed investigators that Fall had made a derogatory comment about the LGBTQ+ community before firing the shot, suggesting that he believed Northern was part of this community.
Authorities discovered that Fall had disabled security cameras at Northern’s home before the shooting. However, he was captured on other cameras in the neighborhood fleeing the scene. Fall was apprehended two weeks later and remained in custody until his trial. He had been facing a potential life sentence.