In the early hours of August 21, 2016, the life of a promising 18-year-old male rapper from Suitland, Maryland, was cut short. Douglas Brooks, known professionally as 'Swipey,' was found suffering from a gunshot wound just after 1 a.m. in the 3600 block of Parkway Terrace Drive. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the death of Douglas Brooks revealed a grim narrative of a robbery gone wrong.
Authorities believe that a group of individuals had planned to rob Brooks and others who were attending a party at the apartment complex where the shooting occurred. An altercation in the parking lot led to the fatal shooting. The young artist, who had already performed alongside well-known rappers like Wale and Fat Joe, was ambushed by what police suspect were four to five assailants.
In connection with the murder, two suspects from Washington, D.C. were arrested. Nineteen-year-old Diante Brewer and 18-year-old Deshawn Watkins were charged in the death of Douglas Brooks. A GPS tracking device that Brewer was wearing from a prior case linked him to the scene of the crime. Watkins was implicated after a gun in his possession was ballistically matched to the weapon used in the shooting. Police have stated their belief that there are still other suspects at large.
