In the early hours of April 9, 2026, a quiet street in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. became the scene of a fatal shooting. Robert Stokes, a 42-year-old man, was found unconscious and suffering from gunshot wounds in the 5200 block of 44th Street NW. The Metropolitan Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at approximately 1:01 a.m. and discovered Stokes, along with another man, at the scene. Despite the efforts of D.C.
Fire and EMS, both men were pronounced dead.
The investigation that followed revealed a grim sequence of events. Authorities identified the other deceased individual as 44-year-old Terrell Cross of Bethesda, Maryland. Investigators have characterized the incident as a domestic-related murder-suicide. It is believed that Cross arrived at the location, shot Stokes, and then turned the firearm on himself. A gun was recovered at the scene. Both Stokes, a resident of Middle River, Maryland, and Cross were employees of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The shooting occurred near Metro's Western Bus Garage as Stokes was reportedly leaving his job.
Robert Stokes was a husband and a father to four children. His wife, Crystal Stokes, described him as a loving father who was quiet but would be talkative and silly with those he knew well. She confirmed that the tragic event stemmed from a personal dispute between her husband and Cross, though she did not know Cross personally. The incident did not take place on Metro property, and officials have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public or other Metro employees. The investigation into the murder-suicide is being handled by the MPD's Homicide Branch.
