DC Police release video of person of interest in Northwest fatal stabbing

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - D.C. Police are searching for the suspect who stabbed a man inside a U Street hookah lounge a week ago. This is the 40th homicide in the District this year compared to 35 at the same time last year.

Cloud Lounge is closed indefinitely, and its alcohol beverage license was suspended after 42-year-old Kenneth Thomas was killed inside on March 14.

Today, FOX 5's Sierra Fox spoke with one of his best friends, Jeffrey Corry, who lived in the same dorm as Thomas at Howard University is remembering him as a loving, caring, and giving man.

Thomas' friend, Jeffrey Corry, says he's in disbelief. The two used to live in the same dorm during their time at Howard University. Corry says Thomas was a loving, caring, and giving man.

"Ken Thomas was a great person," Corry said. "He was the best friend you could ever have and not one unkind word was ever uttered to me or anyone. He was very, very, very, very humble. My heart sank. I’m like ‘no, this can’t be real.’ I actually found out through another classmate of mine … It really couldn’t be him."

DC Police just released video of the killer, who investigators believe is responsible for stabbing Thomas. 

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Officers responded to the 1900 block of 9th Street NW on Monday, March 14 around 1:03 a.m. for the report of a stabbing. 

According to the notice of summary action FOX 5 obtained from the D.C. Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA), Thomas was found suffering from an upper chest injury and cut on his face. He was rushed to the hospital where we later died.

ABRA says the two security officers at Cloud Lounge, assigned to the front door and DJ station, left before talking to investigators after the stabbing — which is a violation.

During their investigation, it was revealed in July 2021, someone brought a pistol into the business and pointed it at two people. This resulted in criminal charges but was not reported to ABRA.

FOX 5 has learned in the past year D.C. police have received 49 calls to Cloud Lounge.

As far as the victim in this homicide, he earned a master’s degree from Howard University’s School of Divinity. Thomas’ classmates, friends, and family are shocked by his tragic and sudden death and hope his killer does the right thing.

"Turn yourself in. Whatever he did to you, it wasn’t worth you doing what you did to him. I pray for you, but you need to turn yourself in," Corry said.

Right now, the motive for this homicide remains unclear. Officers have not identified a connection between Thomas and the suspect.

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DC Police have released new video of a person of interest that was captured by a nearby surveillance camera. 

Initially, police said they were on the lookout for a 5'11" to 6'0" Black male with a light complexion with a salt and pepper beard, black beanie, black shirt, and black pants with a 5'7" Black female wearing a black dress and white coat.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District.

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Anyone who can identify this individual or who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the department's tip line at 50411.

Cloud Lounge's Alcohol Beverage license has been suspended indefinitely as of Match 18.