Mayor Bowser and Chief Newsham search for answers in 14-year-old boy's death
WASHINGTON - Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham addressed the press and the community Wednesday, looking for answers in the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Southeast D.C. Sunday night.
"We are here to ask for your help," said Bowser.
Detectives say Slaughter was shot in front of Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church in the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue just before 7 p.m. He was on his way home from a run to the store.
"Steven was a beloved son and student and friend, neighbor and classmate and teammate, yet someone shot him walking down the street," said Bowser.
"I am even more saddened by the fact that it was likely that another young person was at the other end of this gun," she said.
People who knew Slaughter believe he was shot for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Investigators believe Slaughter was shot with a fully automatic weapon. They also say they are looking for a gray or silver Mercedes that was seen leaving the area, shortly after the shooting.
A friend of the victim said Slaughter was walking home with a friend when he was shot. Slaughter was a ninth grade student at Friendship Collegiate Academy who loved playing football and had dreams of playing in the NFL.
Neighbors said they had to duck for cover when the shooting took place.
"When we got to the corner of 17th and S [streets], that is when the shots rang out," said Nandi Osaze. "I don't know, maybe five [shots]. I ducked down in the car and we noticed someone running … I was very anxious about getting out of car. I was terrified because when bullets are flying, they can hit anyone."
While the shooting remains under investigation, police say Slaughter may not have been the intended target of the shooting.
Newsham and Bowser asked the community for anyone with information about the shooting or may have seen the car to contact police. They are also asking anyone who knows of surveillance video that may have captured the incident to also contact investigators.
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for any information that leads an arrest and conviction in this case.