Document: Man Found Murdered in Burned Apartment

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 29, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Victims |

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on April 23 on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers and emergency personnel responded to the location for a fire in an apartment building, where, upon extinguishment, they discovered the remains of a man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) determined he died from blunt force trauma and ruled the death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 64-year-old James Lavender.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide.