Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.
By
Yessica Osorio
- November 13, 2024
Daily Stories
|
Data
|
Homicides
|
Infographics
|
Shooting
|
Victims
|
As of Nov. 7, D.C. Witness data reports that in October there were 20 homicide incidents and 25 homicide victims in the District. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested three suspects in relation to the homicides, two of whom were in connection to domestic violence incidents.
This data represents an 18 percent increase in homicides compared to September, during which D.C. Witness reported 17 homicide incidents.
There was also a 32 percent increase in homicide victims, with 19 victims reported in September, compared to October.
Ward 8 — which includes neighborhoods like Anacostia and Congress Heights — had the highest number of homicide incidents, with seven reported in the month of October.
Robert Simpson, 56, is being charged with arson and felony murder for his alleged involvement in an arson that killed 85-year old Margaret McKinnon, 64-year old Ronald McKinnon, and 34-year old Jessica Cunningham on Oct. 6 on the 3400 block of 23rd Street, SE.
The MPD investigation revealed that Cunningham, who had previously been in a romantic relationship with Simpson, had alerted MPD of multiple domestic disputes in the past.
Wyatt Michelin Swan, 48, is being charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Teresa Francisco on Oct. 1, on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Further investigation by MPD revealed the victim and the defendant were in a relationship together.
Police have not made any arrests for the remaining twelve homicides.
