Lamont Watkins was 21 when he was found shot to death around 2:50 a.m. on August 7, 2005, behind the 3700 block of 7th Street NE in Brookland, Washington, D.C. His killing was recorded as the city’s 115th homicide that year.

Watkins, known to some as ATL, was a standout wrestler with a coach who thought he might reach the U.S. Olympic team. He was born in the District, the third of fifteen children, spent time in foster care, was later adopted and moved to Georgia, then returned to the Washington area as a teenager. In the months before his death he had been seeking help for drug and alcohol problems; an autopsy reportedly found he had been clean for weeks.

The Metropolitan Police Department Violent Crimes Branch investigated, and detectives explored a possible dispute over a debt. Police believed witnesses were present but reluctant to give details; a reward was offered. Reports differ about later courtroom outcomes, while official police listings continued to treat the homicide as unsolved and investigators sought tips.

If anyone knew Lamont, saw activity near 7th Street NE that night, or has information about this case, please come forward.