In the early morning hours of May 19, 1987, veteran Metropolitan Police Department Officer Robert Remington, a 39-year-old male, was nearing the end of his shift when a burglar alarm sounded from a designer clothing store in Georgetown. Responding to the call, he arrived at the Wisconsin Avenue location to find evidence of a break-in and proceeded to enter the store alone while waiting for his backup to arrive.
Inside the dimly lit shop, Officer Remington confronted two individuals. A struggle ensued with one of the men, during which the officer managed to discharge his weapon, striking the suspect in the hand. However, the second intruder overpowered the 18-year veteran, disarming him of his service weapon. Forced to his knees, Officer Remington was then tragically shot five times with his own gun. He was discovered by his backup officer and rushed to a local hospital, but his wounds proved fatal.
An intense manhunt was launched for the suspects who had fled the scene. The investigation led to the apprehension of two men, Michael A. Perry Jr., 18, and Derwin B. Straite, 22. It was determined that Perry was the one who struggled with and ultimately shot Officer Remington, while Straite acted as a lookout during the burglary. Their goal had been to steal popular sweatshirts from the store. Both suspects were subsequently convicted for their roles in the murder and sentenced to life in prison.
