Man found shot dead in Northeast DC apartment as cops hunt killer
Washington, DC — A quiet Friday night turned deadly inside a Northeast Washington apartment when a 20-year-old man was found shot to death, sparking a homicide investigation and manhunt for the gunman responsible.
Just after 8 p.m. on Friday, officers from the Fifth District responded to reports of gunfire in the 300 block of Morse Street NE. Inside one of the apartments, they discovered Roy Lee Bennett Jr., unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics attempted life-saving efforts, but Bennett was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crime scene, just steps from the bustling Union Market District, remained cordoned off for hours as forensic teams combed through the apartment for evidence. Police have not released any information about potential suspects or a motive, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Neighbors in the area, a mix of new developments and longstanding rowhomes, described the sound of gunshots breaking the calm of the early evening. Some residents say they didn’t hear the shots but saw flashing lights and a heavy police presence soon after.
The Metropolitan Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward and is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for details leading to an arrest and conviction.
No arrests have been made as of Sunday morning.
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Key Points
- A 20-year-old man was shot and killed inside a Northeast DC apartment Friday night
- The victim, Roy Lee Bennett Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency aid
- Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest