Homicides Rise More Than 80% in July

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 5, 2020
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Thirty homicides occurred in Washington, DC during the month of July, an 88 percent increase from June.

Homicides rose in all wards except for Ward 3 from June to July. There were 16 homicides in July.

According to D.C. Witness records, 27 of the homicides resulted from shootings, there was one stabbing, one trauma related incident and a missing person investigation that was also classified as a homicide investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.

The July count includes a missing person investigation for 34 year-old Olga Ooro. According to a press release, Ooro has been missing since July 18. Even though her body has not been located, police believe evidence suggests that she may have been murdered.

The case was turned over to the department’s Homicide Branch. Police say the matter appears to have stemmed from domestic violence.

A suspect, 55-year-old Darnell Sterling was charged with second-degree murder in connection to the case. The case is pending a grand jury. Sterling is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 26.

The case is still being investigated.

Police also arrested three other suspects who are linked to a homicide that occurred in July.

Kenneth Wayne Stewart was arrested on July 24 for allegedly stabbing Courtney Jones the day before on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Stewart, 58, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 26.

David Robinson is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 40-year-old Tia Cokley on the 1900 block of 16th Street, Se. Robinson, 39, has a hearing scheduled for Aug. 27.

Willie Hunter was arrested on July 16. The 38-year-old is currently charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting Marc Mayo on the 5400 block of Bass Place, SE on July 16. Mayo succumbed to his injuries on July 27. Hunter is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 21.

There have been 114 homicides in the District of Columbia, as of July 31. According to D.C. Witness data, homicides increased by nine percent from the same time period the year before.