In the early afternoon of May 18, 2016, tragedy struck in the Southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., when 24-year-old Thomas Meriedy was fatally shot. The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. in the vicinity of Morris Road SE and Mt. View Place SE. Officers from the D.C. police arrived at the scene to find Meriedy unconscious and unresponsive, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
He was promptly transported to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead.
At the time of the incident, law enforcement officials began an immediate search for a suspect. The person of interest was described as a Black male, believed to be in his late teens. He was further described as having shoulder-length dreadlocks and was possibly wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier was present at the scene of the crime as investigators began their work, paying close attention to a Hummer and another sedan that were parked on the street.
Authorities noted that this daylight shooting was one of several homicides that had occurred in a short period in Southeast D.C. There was speculation within the community that Meriedy's death may have been an act of retaliation for a previous murder. In the wake of the shooting, a reward of up to $25,000 was offered for any information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for Thomas Meriedy's death. Law enforcement encouraged anyone with information to come forward and contact the police department.
