Washington, D.C., May 4, 2024
A 3-year-old girl has died following a shooting early Friday morning in Southeast Washington, D.C., prompting a homicide investigation and a call for community assistance in finding those responsible.
According to D.C. police, officers responded around 3:00 a.m. on July 5 to reports of gunfire in the 1000 block of 14th Street SE. When officers arrived, they found a young child with a gunshot wound to the upper body. She was taken by D.C. Fire and EMS to a local hospital in critical condition. The girl died two days later, on July 7.
Detectives believe the child had been sitting in a parked car with family members when one or more suspects opened fire on the vehicle. No motive or suspect description has been publicly released.
The girl was identified as Honesty Cheadle, a resident of Southeast D.C.
Police Chief Pamela A. Smith called the shooting a tragedy, expressing condolences to the family and promising a full investigation. “Our detectives are working tirelessly and will do everything in their power to find those responsible for this senseless act,” she said in a statement.
Investigators from the Major Case Squad are leading the inquiry. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Members of the public can contact police by phone or text with any relevant information.
The shooting is the latest in a string of incidents involving children caught in gun violence in the District, renewing calls for community action and stronger efforts to curb crime in city neighborhoods.
