Joel Johnson, 21, of Southeast DC, was identified as the victim of a Sept. 19 shooting in the 4200 block of First Street Southeast. Police believe Johnson was killed during the course of an attempted robbery.
The press release from MPD follows the jump.
September 20, 2012
Homicide: 4200 Block of First Street, SE
(Washington, DC)-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating the fatal shooting which occurred in the 4200 block of First Street, SE.
On Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at approximately 8:26 pm, units from the Seventh District responded to the 4200 block of First Street, SE, for the report of a Burglary One in progress. Once on the scene, officers of the Seventh District located a male victim inside suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene and determined that the victim had no signs consistent with life. The victim was later pronounced dead by a member of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The decedent is identified as 21 year-old Joel Johnson of Southeast, Washington, DC.
Preliminary investigation revealed that as the complainant was entering his apartment, he was accosted by the decedent and an unidentified black male who were both armed with handguns. The decedent and the unidentified male forced their way into the complainant’s apartment in what is believed to be an effort to rob him. Once inside, a struggle ensued between the complainant and one of the suspects. During the course of the struggle, the decedent was fatally shot. The unidentified suspect fled the scene.
The unidentified male that fled the scene is described as a black male, 20-25 years of age, 5’5” in height, slim build and light complexion.
The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging50411.