In the early morning hours of February 10, 2024, a dispute between friends in Temple Hills, Maryland, ended in the tragic death of 40-year-old Andrew Carnell Washington. A Black / African American man from Washington, D.C., Washington was a celebrated figure in the local basketball community, known affectionately as 'SpongeBob.' His life was cut short inside a parked car in the 2400 block of Iverson Street.
Prince George's County Police responded to a report of a shooting on Iverson Street at approximately 4:05 a.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered 36-year-old Estep Kyler Jr. of Largo in the 2300 block of the same street, suffering from a gunshot wound. Kyler informed the officers that he had been involved in an altercation with his friend, Andrew Washington, while they were sitting in a vehicle. When officers located the car, they found Washington inside, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The preliminary investigation suggests that during the altercation, Kyler allegedly shot Washington. Kyler also sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Following the incident, Estep Kyler Jr. was charged with first and second-degree murder, as well as related offenses. Authorities stated that upon his release from the hospital, he would be transferred to the Department of Corrections.
The death of Andrew Carnell Washington sent shockwaves through the community, where he was remembered not only for his basketball prowess at the University of Delaware and in various national and international tournaments, but also for his dedication to mentoring and inspiring young athletes.
