Senate

‘Beloved' Senate Staffer's Death Ruled Homicide

A Senate employee's death from an injury suffered during a fight outside a restaurant in D.C.'s Navy Yard neighborhood has been ruled a homicide.

Berner Richard Johnson III, 48, was assaulted about 11:30 p.m. May 15 near Scarlet Oak Restaurant and Bar on K Street SE, just steps from his home, police said. He died four days later.

According to a police report, a suspect struck Johnson "about the head" causing his injury.

"The complainant got into a dispute with a group of individuals, ultimately leading to the complainant being assaulted," D.C. police told the community in a post online.

Johnson's family said in a statement that a group of men "viciously" beat him.

The family said Johnson, who was known as "Bud," loved the Navy Yard neighborhood where he lived with his wife, Diane, and their son Bo.

Sen. Chuck Schumer said Johnson worked as a Senate staff member for 30 years.

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