Washington, DC (JK) – A superseding federal indictment has expanded the charges against the man accused of killing a West Virginia National Guard member and critically wounding another in Washington, D.C., opening the door to a possible death sentence.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal now faces 17 counts, including murder of a person assisting an officer or employee of the United States, multiple attempted murder charges, firearms offenses, and first-degree murder while armed.
The charges stem from the November 26, 2025, shooting near the Farragut Square Metro Station that killed Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Webster Springs, West Virginia. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew “Andy” Wolfe of Martinsburg was critically wounded and continues to recover.
The new federal murder charge is significant because it falls under federal law that allows for the death penalty, unlike the original District of Columbia murder charge, where capital punishment is not available. Federal prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will formally seek the death penalty, but the case will be reviewed through the Justice Department’s capital case process.
Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His next court hearing is scheduled for September, and a trial date has not yet been set.
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