According to D.C. Witness data, there were 15 reported homicide incidents in April, accounting for 17 victims, making it DC’s deadliest month so far in 2026. By comparison, there were three reported homicide incidents in January, 10 in February, and five in March.
As of May 7, of the 15 incidents in April, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified three suspects.
According to MPD, in an apparent murder-suicide, 44-year-old Terrell Cross fatally shot 42-year-old Robert Stokes, and then shot and killed himself on April 9 on the 5200 block of 44th Street, NW.
Niko Lancaster, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Levon Livingston on April 12 on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.
According to court documents, Livingston and his wife had ongoing domestic violence issues. Livingston reportedly arrived at his wife’s home, broke through her bedroom window, and she told him to leave because she had company, which was Lancaster. The wife reported that she believed Livingston had left when she heard a “pop.” Lancaster’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 25.
Hakeem Jones, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Jamillah Gales on April 21 on the 600 block of Kenyon Street, NW.
MPD has not identified suspects for the remaining 12 homicide incidents.
According to MPD, on April 29, members of the National Guard observed a group of men fighting on the 400 block of I Street, SW. Keon Jones, 29, sustained a fatal injury to his abdomen.
MPD responded to the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE for a reported shooting on April 14. Upon arrival, officers located 14-year-old Tyale Coates and 12-year-old Mhilo Young. Coates died at the scene and Young succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.
