The first fatal shooting in DC this year took place on Jan. 21 resulting in the death of an 18-year-old, 19 days later than in 2025 and 20 days later than in 2024.
Malik Moore, 18, was shot on the 1300 block of Varnum Street, NE. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived at approximately 12:04 a. m. Moore was transferred to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, according to an MPD press release.
There are currently no known suspects in Moore’s shooting.
The first fatal shooting of 2025 took place on Jan. 2 on the 5200 block of Just Street, NE. The victim, 24-year-old Corey Ward Jr., was found unconscious and not breathing at 9:52 p. m. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported Ward to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to an MPD press release.
There are no known suspects in Ward’s killing.
Likewise, in 2024, 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds was shot and killed in a hotel room on Jan. 1 on the 4000 block of Military Road, NW. The incident occurred at 1:18 a. m.
Jelani Cousin, 20, was arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the incident. Cousin rejected a plea offer and his trial is set for March 2027.
