Melvin Seals was 30 when he was shot to death in the early morning of April 26, 2008, in the 1200 block of Morse Street NE in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C. The attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m.; Seals was struck 17 times. Reports at the time suggested the shooting might have been connected to a gang war in the neighborhood.

Just before he was killed, Seals spoke with his mother, Deborah Seals-Craven. She later became a public advocate for justice in his case, appealing for any information that could lead to those responsible. The Metropolitan Police Department investigated and the case was later featured in a cold case series; a reward was offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

No arrests or suspect identifications have been publicly announced. If anyone knew Melvin, was in that area that night, or has information that could help bring justice, please come forward.