Killing Of 3-Year-Old, Shooting Of 4 Others Leads To Guilty Plea

DUMFRIES, VA — The fatal shooting of a 3-year-old and injuries to four others will result in at least 40 years in prison, according to the Prince William Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Kenyatta Oglesby, 23, pleaded guilty Monday in Prince William County court to second-degree murder, taking a plea agreement for 40 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated malicious wounding with no agreement for sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2026.

The shooting happened at a townhouse community in Dumfries on Jan. 4, 2023. Town of Dumfries Police and Prince William County Police found five gunshot wound victims, including one pronounced dead at the scene. A search of the area led police to arrest Oglesby.

A police investigation found Oglesby had an argument with his then-girlfriend. Police say the argument continued into the parking lot, where Oglesby took out a gun and shot her multiple times. He then returned to the woman's home, went into the basement and opened fire on children. That killed the 3-year-old child and severely injured three others. The woman also received serious and permanent injuries from the shooting.

"The decision of Mr. Oglesby to use a firearm in a domestic argument had tragic yet predictable consequences," said Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Ashworth. "Not only did four people suffer serious gunshot wounds with life lasting consequences, but an entire family lost the joy of a three-year-old child who was gunned down. The senseless and horrific actions of Mr. Oglesby will not be tolerated in our community."

The prosecutor thanked first responders, victim services, and witnesses who provided information and surveillance footage after the shooting.