DC police arrest 14-year-old, 16-year-old in connection with robbery that left DJ dead
WASHINGTON - D.C. police have arrested two teen boys in connection with a brutal attack and robbery that left a well-known DJ dead.
At a press conference Friday, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested on Thursday in connection with the death of Bryan Smith. Police said they are also suspects in three connected robbery offenses that happened the same day.
READ MORE: Family of beloved DJ speaks out after robbery leaves him in coma
Officials say they believe the suspects attacked and robbed Smith as he walked home after his shift early in the morning of October 27. He died after spending more than a week in a coma. The Northern Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the cause and manner of death.
"While nothing can undo this senseless loss, we hope today's arrest offers some measure of justice and a step toward healing," MPD Pamela Smith said. "We are here to send a very clear message today. If you commit violence in our city, we will find you and we will hold you accountable."
Beloved DC DJ dead following brutal attack in Shaw: police
A well-known D.C. DJ and hair stylist was taken off life support over a week after being brutally attacked in a robbery in Northwest D.C.
Smith was found severely injured and unconscious in the 500 block of T Street. He was robbed of his phone, his wallet, and his credit cards. He died at the hospital a little over a week later. Lela Sandoval, Smith’s mother, told FOX 5 Friday a detective called her in the morning to update her on the case. In a previous interview, Sandoval said her son fought hard for his life while in the hospital, but problems in his lung developed and a decision was made to remove him from life support.
"They killed my son over a credit card with a very low balance and a cell phone," Sandoval said last week. "These people have taken away my whole entire life."
Shortly after the attack on Smith, police say the suspects assaulted and attempted to rob others in the 1900 block of 14th Street. Investigators say the teens robbed a person in the 1800 block of Vermont Avenue and attacked another person in the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue.
Two teens charged in deadly robbery of beloved DC DJ
At a press conference Friday, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested on Thursday in connection with the death of Bryan Smith. Police said they are also suspects in three connected robbery offenses that happened the same day. FOX 5's Lili Zheng has the latest details.
"I have said this on many occasions. Young people should be at home. They should be parentified by an adult who know where they’re at all times," Chief Smith said.
Jeffrey Willis has lived by U Street for 21 and said there have been concerning issues involving young suspects over the past few years.
"It’s a sad new norm that these young people. Many of them somebody who’s been attacked, who may have been killed. It’s a part of their lives and it’s just not the way it should be," Willis said.
He added, he wanted to see police enforce the curfew stricter.
"You can really get the young people off the street, but that’s going to take a big change in the attitude. That we’re not going to ask them, we’re going to get them off the streets when it’s the most dangerous time late at night. It’s not their policy to make. I know it’s the politicians, but I would hope MPD would say to them this is what we need to protect young people and the rest of the community," he said.