DC Sees Decrease in Homicides in September

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Eighteen homicides occurred in DC during the month of September, with the youngest victim being 17 years old.

The teenager, Brian Villataro, was among three killed on the deadliest day in regards to homicides in DC in September.

At approximately 9:20 p.m. on Sept. 18, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW, due to a report of a shooting victim, according to a press release. There, officers found Villataro suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Two others were killed that day in a separate incident on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE. Upon arriving on scene, police located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. After taking him to a local hospital, they located a second victim already at the hospital, according to another press release.

The victims have been identified as 31-year-old Michale Pate and 28-year-old Djuan Proctor.

No arrests have been made in relation to these homicides, according to D.C. Witness data.

September is the first month in 2021 to have all homicides result from shootings. Approximately 142 out of 175, or 82% of homicides in D.C. in 2021 were shootings, according to D.C. Witness data.

September saw a 10 percent decrease in homicides with 18 compared to 23 in August. Despite this, Ward 4 saw an increase in homicides, with one in August and six in September. All other wards saw a decrease in homicides.

September 2021 Homicide Data Visualization by Dhymond Revan