According to D.C. Witness data, there were eight reported homicide incidents, resulting in nine victims in December. Of these reported incidents, six were the results of gun violence, while two were the outcome of vehicles, one victim being a police officer in the line of duty.
As of Jan. 27, of the eight incidents, The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified four suspects.
Jerrold Coates, 47, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Officer Terry Bennett, 32.
According to court documents, on Dec. 23. Bennett was struck at a high rate of speed on the eastbound lanes of I-695 while he was helping a motorist with a disabled. Bennett was outside of his police car setting up flares when he was struck. He was severely injured at the time, but did not succumb to his injuries until Jan. 7. after numerous life saving efforts.
Coates, who is wheelchair bound, was administered two grams of Narcan at the scene, before being transferred to the hospital, according to court documents. He’s scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 2.
Likewise, Niwatilagu Long, 45, also known as Nick, was charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of Melvin Saunders, 44. According to court documents, the incident occurred on the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE on Dec. 19, 2025. Forensic analysts reported that the victim was shot in the head and pronouncex dead at the scene.
Similarly on Dec. 5, Roy Bennett Jr., 20, was shot and killed on the 300 block of Morse Street, NE. Keyonte Johnson, 16, is charged with first-degree murder while armed on Dec. 31, 2025. According to court documents, Johnson and Roy are cousins.
An autopsy was performed on Dec. 6, 2026 and concluded that the victim was shot seven times, including in the head, chest, and arms. Two 911 calls were made reporting hearing gunshots coming from the apartment building.
MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.
