WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 46-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred in Dupont Circle late last year, the Metropolitan Police Department announced Thursday.
Donald Shields, a resident of Northwest D.C., was taken into custody on May 8 and charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of 36-year-old Dominique Ratiff.
The incident took place on December 30, 2024, shortly before 4 p.m., when officers responded to reports of a stabbing in the Dupont Circle area. Police and DC Fire and EMS found Ratiff unconscious and suffering from a stab wound. He was transported to a hospital but died from his injuries despite emergency medical efforts.
Arrest made months after deadly Dupont Circle attack
The arrest followed months of investigation by homicide detectives, who worked to identify and locate the suspect. Details regarding the motive or whether the victim and suspect knew each other have not been released.
Shields was apprehended pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant. The case remains under active investigation.
Police are urging anyone with additional information related to the case to contact MPD as they continue to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.