DC firefighter charged in deadly street racing crash

WASHINGTON - A D.C. firefighter is charged with second-degree murder in connection with a street racing death over the summer.

Back on July 19, police say Ryan Thompson waved to another car -- driven by Rasheed Murray -- and a street race began on 16th Street. Police believe Murray lost control of his car near Madison Street. It flipped over and landed on top of a car driven by a 24-year-old man who was killed.

Police quickly arrested Murray and charged him with second-degree murder. Nearly four months later, Thompson, a firefighter assigned to Engine 22 on Georgia Avenue, is facing the same charge.

The victim was Matthew Roth, a recent University of Maryland graduate. He was working as a CPA, and he was on his way home to Arlington from Silver Spring at the time of the crash.

"It's just a travesty that my son's life was taken by an act of such a senseless, irresponsible act that just did not have to happen," said David Roth, the victim's father. "Based on this senseless act, hopefully justice will prevail."

Thompson pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday. The fire department placed him on leave.