In the early morning hours of June 11, 2020, the life of 18-year-old Saige Lauren Slade Ballard was tragically cut short in her hometown of Washington, D.C. A Black female with a bright future, she had recently completed her freshman year at Georgia State University, where she was majoring in Media Entrepreneurship, and was back in the city for the summer.
Saige was spending time with her best friends when gunfire erupted at approximately 3:09 AM in the 200 block of E Street, NE, not far
from Union Station. In the wake of the shooting, Saige was found to have been fatally wounded. Another individual, a male, also sustained injuries in the incident but survived. Saige, a graduate of Capital City Public Charter School where she had been a member of the basketball team, was known for her vibrant personality and her dedication to her community, which included tutoring elementary school children.
The investigation into Saige's death was launched immediately by the Metropolitan Police Department. Despite their efforts and public appeals for information, no arrests have been made in the case, and authorities have not released any descriptions of potential suspects. The case remains open, and a reward of up to $40,000 has been offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her death. Her family and friends are left to mourn the profound loss of a young woman described as a bright, spirited, and happy individual who had a profound love of life.
