In the late afternoon of June 30, 2024, a burst of gunfire shattered the calm in the 700 block of Marietta Place, NW in Washington, D.C. When the sounds of the gunshots faded, 18-year-old Raymond Washington was found suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency services were called to the scene and the young man was quickly transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Washington succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The Metropolitan Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide. Detectives canvassed the area, gathering evidence and seeking information from the public. Their efforts continued for months, as they worked to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting of the Northeast D.C. teenager. The investigation was a meticulous process, marked by the challenges inherent in solving such violent crimes.
Nearly nine months after the shooting, a significant breakthrough was made in the case. On March 21, 2025, the diligent work of the detectives led to the identification and arrest of a suspect. 40-year-old Byron Sneed of Northwest, D.C., was taken into custody. Pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant, Sneed was charged with First Degree Murder while Armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Raymond Washington. The case against Sneed is now moving through the court system, and he has appeared in court for preliminary hearings.
