Document: MPD Investigating 2023 Assault as Homicide

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The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are now investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Oct. 12, 2023, on the 1800 block of 4th Street, NE, as a homicide.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers located three men who had been assaulted by a suspect using a shovel. All three men were transported to an area hospital conscious and breathing.

Responding officers located the suspect, 62-year-old Vincent Hemphill, on the scene, arrested and charged him with assault with intent to kill.

On Jan. 22, 81-year-old Charles Short succumbed to his injuries. The Office of the Medical Chief Examiner (OCME) in Maryland determined his death was from complications from blunt force trauma. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

MPD is working with the US Attorney’s Office to upgrade Hemphill’s charges.