In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 18, 2015, the life of 25-year-old Wesley West was cut short by gunfire in the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE, in Washington, D.C. At approximately 12:56 a.m., officers responded to the scene and found West suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Wesley West was a resident of Southeast, D.C.
Known affectionately to some as the 'baby' of the family, West was a father to a two-month-old son at the time of his death. He was remembered by those who knew him as a man who was actively working to better his life and his community. For years, he had been involved with Peaceoholics, a local organization aimed at preventing youth violence, where he was known for his ability to mediate conflicts and broker truces among young people. Though he had moved out of his old neighborhood, he frequently returned to connect with youth and check on his family.
Shortly before his death, he was in the process of obtaining a contractor's license to secure a stable income for his growing family.
The shooting of Wesley West was one of three fatal overnight shootings in the District, contributing to a rise in homicides in the 7th Police District that year. His death left his family and community reeling with grief and frustration, particularly because he was killed in the very neighborhood he was trying to improve. The Metropolitan Police Department has sought the public's assistance in gathering information regarding the homicide and has offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. To date, no arrests have been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the murder of Wesley West.
