One dead, 3 injured in 'targeted' shooting outside a funeral home after service for murder victim in Washington DC
WASHINGTON, DC: A "targeted" shooting outside a funeral home in Northeast D.C left one man fatally shot and three others injured, according to police. Just before 12.30 pm on Tuesday, April 11, the gunman opened fire after mourners left the Stewart Funeral Home in Washington after attending a service for a 24-year-old murder victim, Stephon Lamont Carroll.
At a press conference following the shooting, DC Police Chief Robert Contee said, "How low can you be of a human being to target people at a funeral?" The fatally shot man was declared dead at the scene. Three people who were injured in the shooting were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. They reportedly suffer from non-life-threatening injuries, according to New York Post.
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Why were the victims targeted?
The victims were near the sidewalk when they were shot and according to police, they did not shoot back at the gunman. Contee who did not elaborate on why the four were shot said that police officers are yet to determine why the victims were targeted and the potential motive. The chief revealed that the person for whom the funeral was held was fatally shot at the end of March.
Following the family's request, a police officer was stationed close to the Stewart Funeral Home. Contee explained that it for services of homicide victims, stationing close to the funeral home was a routine procedure. "Someone decided to disrespect the family at this level and commit this senseless act of violence at this kid's funeral," the police chief said.
Are there any suspects in the shooting?
In the Tuesday shooting outside the funeral home, police are seeking witnesses to come forward in providing any information. "MPD is asking for the community's help," said Contee. There are currently no suspects, according to police. Following the shootout, officers urged people in the area to check for a green vehicle that fled the scene.
A man who wore a blood-soaked t-shirt reportedly walked around on the street amid the shooting, according to a reporter for WUSA9 who was on the scene. As the investigation into the horrifying incident is underway, there is a heavy police presence in the area and multiple streets close to the funeral home have been shut down.