In the Brightwood neighborhood of Washington, D.C., a tragic and violent event unfolded on the evening of Saturday, February 22, 2020. Sixteen-year-old Jaime Zelaya, a male junior at Paul Public Charter School, was fatally shot inside his home in the 6000 block of 13th Street, NW. The attack, which occurred at approximately 5:06 p.m., also claimed the life of his seventeen-year-old best friend, Wilfredo Torres.
The two teenagers were returning to Zelaya's apartment after getting food
from a nearby McDonald's when they were followed inside by a gunman. The assailant, who police believe was armed with a high-powered rifle, opened fire on the two friends. In addition to the two boys, Jaime's mother was also shot multiple times. She survived the attack but was left in critical condition and required multiple surgeries.
The Metropolitan Police Department launched an investigation into the double homicide, describing the shooting as likely not a random act. Despite their efforts and offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information that could lead to an arrest and conviction, no suspects have been publicly identified or taken into custody in connection with the murders. The case remains unsolved, leaving the families and the community awaiting justice for the violent loss of two young lives.
