Police identify Tyshon Perry as 16-year-old boy fatally stabbed near NoMa Metro
WASHINGTON - Police say DC teen, 16-year-old Tyshon Perry died Tuesday after he was stabbed near NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station in Northeast DC.
The teen from Northeast was in the tenth grade at KIPP DC College Preparatory high school, located less than a mile from where he was stabbed.
The teen is remembered as an outgoing and beloved member of his school community.
School officials said Tyshon "excelled at math, loved to play football, and volunteered at the D.C. Public Library."
"The entire KCP community is mourning the loss of Tyshon," said Andhra Lutz, principal of KIPP DC College Preparatory in a statement.
Investigators say Tyshon was found by police unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from a stab wound just before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the 1300 block of 2nd Street, Northeast.
Investigators say DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported Tyshon to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, despite efforts from medical staff to save him.
"He was a vibrant part of our school and he will be deeply missed. We have been in close contact with Tyshon's family and will continue to provide support to them in any way possible," said Lutz.
KIPP high school officials classes were canceled for Wednesday but kept the school open to receive families and students who need resources and support.
They say the school will be open on a normal schedule for rest of the week.
KIPP says it is now working with DC police and Mayor Muriel Bowser to better ensure safety of students.
"There will be additional private security and police at the school, and we have requested a stronger Metropolitan Police Department and Metro Transit Police presence along the route to and from the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station in the coming weeks," said KIPP DC spokesman Tom Clark.
KIPP officials say there will be a school community meeting for teachers and students in the near future.
DC Police Chief Peter Newsham said there appeared to have been a large group of the teens in the area before the stabbing.
A witness, Nigel Crayton, tells FOX 5 he saw the victim was being punched and kicked when someone pulled out a knife.
"It's just crazy thinking about how his parents were probably working 9 to 5 and they get off and had to receive this phone call. You want your kids to go to school in a place that's supposed to be safe, come back to see this," said Crayton.
DC police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible.
Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation is urged to call 202-727-9099.