Chevy Chase man, social worker killed by stray bullet in Northeast DC, police say

WASHINGTON - Police are searching for the person who shot and killed a D.C. social worker as he was driving home from work on Wednesday.

Police found Tom Marmet at the intersection of 17th Street and Bladensburg Road at around 6 p.m. after a report of multiple gunshots in the area.

His family says the 22-year-old was stopped at a red light when he was shot, and that police have told them that he was likely hit by a stray bullet and not the intended target. Marmet later died at the hospital. Police do not have a suspect description at this time.

Those who knew Marmet are devastated. He was a recent graduate of the University of Vermont who was working as a social worker at the nonprofit, So Others Might Eat (SOME) in Anacostia. He was working there through a fellowship program.

"Nice, kindhearted person. Willing to help anybody out," said Vanessa Owens, who says she has received assistance for years at SOME.

Marmet's father says his son grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and attended the Maret School in D.C. The head of the school, Marjo Talbott, said she couldn't believe the news.

"I couldn't process it immediately," she said. "It was just unfathomable."

She says Marmet was much more than a dedicated student.

"What you knew about Tom immediately was his generosity of spirit," said Talbott. "He was one of those kids who was the glue to the class. He had devoted friends. He would always go the extra mile for people."

There have been 135 homicides in the District this year, a 44 increase over this same time period last year.

If you have any information that might help police in their investigation, you are asked to call 202-727-9099.