Dc metro police car at crime scene.
DC Metro Police car at crime scene.

Morning welfare check turns into homicide scene after woman found fatally shot inside DC apartment

Posted by
1 min read
May 12, 2026

Woman found shot dead after DC police respond to welfare check

WASHINGTON, DC — What began as a call to check on an unresponsive person inside a Southeast Washington apartment quickly transformed into a homicide investigation Tuesday morning after officers discovered a woman dead from gunshot wounds inside the residence.

Metropolitan Police Department officers were dispatched around 6:29 a.m. to the 1300 block of Congress Street Southeast following reports of an unconscious person inside an apartment.

Instead of a medical emergency, responding officers encountered a deadly crime scene.

Police said an adult woman was found inside the apartment suffering from gunshot wounds.

DC Fire and EMS crews responded moments later, but the woman showed no signs of life and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of family members.

Investigators spent hours processing the apartment and surrounding area as homicide detectives worked to piece together what happened in the early morning hours.

Authorities have not announced any arrests and said there is currently no suspect lookout connected to the killing.

Neighbors in the area watched as crime scene tape stretched across part of the residential block while detectives moved in and out of the building throughout the morning.

Anyone with information about the homicide is urged to contact Metropolitan Police at 202-727-9099 or text anonymous tips to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

Police said the Metropolitan Police Department offers a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for homicides committed in the District.

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Key Points

• Woman found dead from gunshot wounds inside Southeast DC apartment
• Police originally responded for report of unconscious person
• Detectives investigating homicide with no suspect information released

Chris Quigley
About the Author

Chris Quigley

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.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

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