On a Tuesday afternoon, May 13, 2025, tragedy struck in the 4500 block of Benning Road, Southeast in Washington, D.C., resulting in the death of 21-year-old Jacquise Zanders. At approximately 5:10 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting and discovered two adult males with gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency medical services, Jacquise Zanders was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the homicide led authorities to 20-year-old Antoine Lowery. On Monday, June 23, 2025, Lowery was arrested pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court warrant and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed. According to court documents and proceedings, the shooting may have been gang-related. Prosecutors alleged that Zanders and Lowery were members of rival neighborhood crews, the Lincoln Heights Crew and the Clay Terrace Crew, respectively, and that an ongoing dispute between the groups could have been the motive for the shooting.
During a court hearing, a detective described CCTV footage from America's Best Wings, where the shooting occurred. The footage allegedly showed Lowery arriving minutes before Zanders and waiting for him. An eyewitness and the surviving victim stated that Lowery was inside the establishment for approximately 11 to 12 minutes without speaking to anyone or placing an order. Shortly after Zanders entered the store, he was shot almost immediately. The prosecution argued that this demonstrated premeditation. The defense attorney, however, contested the establishment of premeditation and pointed out discrepancies in the police identification of Lowery as the suspect from a 'be on the lookout' flyer. Despite these arguments, a judge found that there was probable cause to move forward with the charges against Lowery.
