In the winter of 2023, the life of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale, Jr. was tragically cut short in a violent encounter in Southeast Washington, D.C. On the evening of December 16th, at approximately 8:07 p.m., police responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of 44th Place, Southeast. Upon arrival, officers discovered Barksdale suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was quickly transported to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal.
The investigation into the male victim's death continued for months, culminating in the summer of 2024 with the arrests of two young men. On July 31, 2024, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended 18-year-old D'Andre Montgomery of Southeast, D.C. The very next day, a second suspect, 19-year-old Eric Sheffield of Northeast, D.C., was also taken into custody. Both Montgomery and Sheffield were charged with First Degree Murder While Armed-Felony Murder.
Further details emerged suggesting the fatal shooting occurred during an attempted carjacking. Court documents allege that Montgomery and Sheffield attempted to steal Barksdale's Ford Thunderbird. When Barksdale tried to intervene and stop the theft, the suspects allegedly shot him multiple times, resulting in his death. Another individual was also injured during the incident but survived. Both Sheffield and Montgomery have been indicted on a slew of charges including conspiracy, first-degree murder, felony murder, assault with intent to kill, and armed robbery. They have both pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
