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By
Brigette Bagley
- March 10, 2025
Daily Stories
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Data
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Featured
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Homicides
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According to D.C. Witness data, as of March 5, there were seven homicide incidents and nine homicide victims in the District in February. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced one arrest made in relation to homicides that occurred during the month.
According to MPD documents, in the evening of Feb. 4, officers responded to a shots fired call inside an apartment complex at the 1000 block of 1st Street, SE. Officers located Darryl Smith, 61, unconscious and not breathing, suffering from gunshot wounds. Smith was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead.
Officers conducted an investigation where they were able to locate and arrest Smith’s son, De’Anglo Goldston, 37, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting, and recovered the suspected firearm. Goldston was charged with second-degree murder while armed.
On Feb. 18, according to MPD documents, there was an officer-involved shooting that occurred at the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.
Surafel Zerihun, 26, allegedly drove into oncoming traffic, striking a marked MPD cruiser, when he threatened the officer with a knife. A struggle broke out between the suspect when the officer fired his service weapon, fatally wounding Zerihun.
After calling for assistance and exiting the cruiser to attempt lifesaving measures, the suspect picked up the knife, threatening the officer again. After refusing verbal commands, the officer shot the suspect again, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
As of Feb. 19, the officer was placed on administrative leave pending an official investigation, including a review of his body-worn camera footage.
Police have not made any arrests for the remaining six homicide incidents. MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.
