DC man charged with first-degree murder in fatal 21st Street shooting
Washington, DC – A 62-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred inside a Northeast DC apartment earlier this year, police announced Tuesday.
The fatal shooting took place on the afternoon of Friday, May 2, when officers from the Fifth District were called to the 600 block of 21st Street NE for reports of gunfire. Inside the residence, police found 61-year-old Steven Stewart unconscious and not breathing, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.
Following a months-long investigation, homicide detectives and officers from the Sixth District located and arrested Phillip Palmer on Friday. Police said Palmer was indicted by a DC Superior Court Grand Jury and has been formally charged with First Degree Murder While Armed (Felony Murder) for his alleged role in Stewart’s death.
Authorities did not release details regarding a possible motive or whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The homicide occurred in a residential area of Northeast DC that has experienced an uptick in violent crime, with local officials calling for expanded surveillance and additional resources in the community.
Palmer remains in custody and is expected to appear before a judge for arraignment. The investigation remains active.
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Key Points
- Phillip Palmer, 62, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder While Armed in connection to a May 2 homicide
- The victim, 61-year-old Steven Stewart, was found shot dead inside a 21st Street NE apartment
- Palmer was indicted by a grand jury and taken into custody on August 22