Fatal Shootings Decrease in August from 20 Recorded in July, data Shows

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Fatal shootings in August decreased by 33 percent from July.

D.C. Witness data shows 14 shootings in August compared to 20 fatal shootings in July.

In total there were 15 homicides in August, including one fatal stabbing.

On Aug. 14, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department found 41-year-old Cynthia Stewart inside of a residence, suffering from apparent stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Aug. 25, 45-year-old Alexis Hawkins was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed, according to a press release. Due to defense counsel’s unavailability, Hawkins preliminary hearing was rescheduled from Sept. 6 to Oct. 6.

She is currently being held without bail at the DC Jail.

Of the 15 homicides, one was classified as being domestic violence.

Fifty-two-year-old Leslie Simpson was killed in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 10 in the Shipley Terrace neighborhood on the 200 block of Savannah Street, SE.

According to a press release, police identified a suspect as 65-year-old Steven Dreher. Officer found the suspect dead in Laurel, Md. suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police apprehended two suspects out of the 15 homicides in August.

In August, police also apprehended a homicide suspect charged in the shooting of 1-year-old Legend Wheeler.

On Nov. 24, 2021, MPD officers responded to the 2300 block of Chester Street, SE for reports of a juvenile male victim, unconscious and suffering from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. Legend was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

According to a press release, on Aug. 23, JD Wheeler, 23, was charged with second-degree murder.

He is currently being held at DC Jail and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 13.

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