Overview
The federal prosecution of Wayne Anthony Perry arose from a drug-and-murder investigation in Washington, D.C. Contemporary reporting described Perry as the principal defendant in a large indictment alleging multiple killings in furtherance of a drug conspiracy associated with Alberto “Alpo” Martinez.
Charges and Death-Penalty Notice
The government sought the federal death penalty and filed a notice identifying multiple homicide counts, including the murders of Domencio Benson, Michael Salters, Evelyn Carter, Yolanda Burley, Alveta Hopkins, and Garrett Terrell. The filing alleged intentional killings and additional statutory aggravating factors.
Plea
In 1994, Perry pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Contemporary reporting stated that the broader indictment involved killings allegedly committed in furtherance of a drug conspiracy connected to Martinez.
Related Defendants
Tyrone LaSalle Price subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of retaliating against a federal witness. Price’s plea included the murders of Alveta Hopkins and Garrett Terrell.
Historical Significance
This case is the strongest documentary hub for the D.C. homicide branch of the encyclopedia. Individual victim pages should cross-link here so that later oral-history claims can be measured against the federal charging and plea record.
Evidence Status
A/B. Federal prosecution filings and contemporary reporting provide the principal record.