FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — A 27-year-old Fort Washington man is in custody after police say he shot and killed two teenagers during a suspected illegal drug deal Tuesday night. A third teen was also targeted but escaped unharmed.
The suspect, Duan Goddard, is currently being held in Washington, DC, pending extradition to Prince George’s County. He faces multiple charges including first and second-degree murder in connection with the double homicide.
At approximately 9:35 p.m. on Tuesday, Prince George’s County Police officers in the area of Haras Place heard gunfire and located the two victims outside an apartment building in the 5200 block. One of the teens, 16-year-old Thomas Smith Jr. of Washington, DC, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, 16-year-old Michael Bassett of Temple Hills, died shortly after at a nearby hospital.
Investigators say the teens arrived in a vehicle reported as carjacked four days earlier on St. Barnabas Road in Oxon Hill. During the confrontation, a third teenager who was with them was fired upon but was not hit.
Responding officers spotted an SUV fleeing the scene and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit into Washington, DC, where he was eventually apprehended.
Investigation continues
Detectives believe the fatal encounter was related to an illegal drug transaction. Multiple firearms were recovered from the scene.
Goddard faces charges including two counts of murder and is being held without bond pending extradition. Authorities continue to gather evidence and urge anyone with information to come forward.
