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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

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News