Police arrest mother's friend in death of 2-year-old in Southwest DC

WASHINGTON - Investigators have arrested a man accused of killing a 2-year-old, who they say he knew, in Southwest D.C.

The incident happened on Thursday, October 13 in the unit block of Atlantic Street. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department responded to the scene for reports of an unconscious child.

Once there, officers discovered a 2-year-old boy who had some blood in his mouth, but "no visible signs of abuse." 

The young boy was taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

According to MPD, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the boy's death a homicide, saying that he died from "complications of inflicted trauma."

Investigators identified the victim as Mars Jones, of Southwest, D.C.

On Thursday, November 3, police arrested 23 year-old Dasean Matthews, of Southeast, D.C. in connection with the homicide.

Matthews is charged with first degree murder.

Investigators say Matthews was a friend of the 2-year-old's mother.

They did not indicate a possible motive or what led up to the child's death.