16-year-old girl killed in November shooting not believed to be intended target

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 14, 2016
Homicides | Suspects |

Police believe 16-year-old Breyona McMillian was not the intended target in the November 25 shooting that claimed her life.

Saeve Evans, who was initially deemed a person of interest in the Southeast Washington shooting, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with McMillian’s death. These charges are an upgrade from his initial charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to the arrest warrant for Evans’ most recent charges, police believe Evans was intending to injure the occupants of a black Nissan that had pulled up to the Potomac Gardens Apartment housing complex at the time of the shooting. The vehicle pulled up as Evans, McMillian and others lounged outside of the Potomac Gardens complex. As described by police, Evans began shooting at the vehicle as it came to a stop in front of the building. Police are alleging that that McMillian was killed by the shots Evans had intended for the occupants of the Nissan.

Police received information that Evans was high at the time of the shooting and discharged his weapon out of paranoia. It is noted in the warrant for Evans’ arrest that police received tips that the Nissan belonged to rivals of the Potomac Gardens apartment complex. The warrant specifically notes that police received a tip that it belonged to “Black Sean,” a known enemy of Evans. “Black Sean” has been determined to have been elsewhere at the time of the murder.

The warrant for Evans’ arrest also notes that 15 of the 16 9mm shell casings that were recovered from the scene were found in the area where Evans was seen firing his gun in surveillance footage. Police also examined the black Nissan present at the scene and determined that all damage sustained by the car had come from its exterior. Additionally, it was found that no shots had been fired from within, and police found no signs or residue of firearms in the vehicle.

Evans has been held without bail since his arrest. His preliminary hearing will be held in January.