Police Chief Holds Press Conference on Fatal Shooting of Peace Corps Man

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The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) held a press conference on an arrest made in a shooting that killed a Peace Corps executive.

Police Chief Robert J. Contee III said 53-year-old Jeremy Black was shot and killed by “individuals engaged in reckless behavior” on the 1400 block of R Street, NW, on June 29. Black had just walked out of a nearby restaurant with his wife and friends when he got caught up in the gunfire.

“There is no place for this type of violence in our communities,” Chief Contee said. “I am here today to bring justice to Mr. Black and his family.”

Chief Contee said he spoke with Black’s wife when the arrest warrant was issued. “She simply said to me, ‘thank you’ and that she was ecstatic about the news,” he said about her response.

On Nov. 24, 25-year-old Dearay Anthony Wilson was arrested for second-degree murder while armed in relation to the homicide, Contee told the public.

The MPD is still evaluating if the $25,000 reward will be given but Chief Contee said that science was the reason the arrest was made. They are still looking for possible additional suspects.

Washington field office and special agent in charge Charlie Patterson also spoke and gave his condolences. He noted they had scientists at their Annandale lab who tested evidence.

Chief Contee said he will be debriefed on the fatal shooting of a one-year-old in Southeast, DC, after the press conference, with more information to come.

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