In the late afternoon of Monday, January 30, 2023, Michael Gaddis, a 36-year-old man, was shot and killed in the 500 block of Somerset Place, Northwest, Washington, D.C. At approximately 2:56 p.m., officers from the Fourth District of the Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Gaddis suffering from a gunshot wound. D.C.
Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Gaddis was a father of four and worked as a Master Barber. He was also known in his community as a 'Safe Passage' worker, part of a city program designed to ensure students could travel to and from school safely. At the time of the shooting, which occurred near Coolidge High School, Gaddis was wearing his Safe Passage vest, although he was not on duty. Friends and family described him as a generous and fun-loving person who was deeply committed to the well-being of young people in his neighborhood.
The Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Branch is actively investigating the shooting. Law enforcement officials have indicated that they believe Gaddis knew his attacker and that the shooting stemmed from a dispute. However, no suspect has been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Michael Gaddis's death. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to seek assistance from the public.
