WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 11, 2025 — Authorities confirmed Friday that a suspect has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old girl in Southeast D.C.
On Saturday, July 5, at approximately 3:03 a.m., D.C. police responded to the 1000 block of 14th Street SE following reports of gunfire. They discovered a 3-year-old girl suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body while she sat in a parked vehicle outside her aunt’s apartment. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remained in critical condition
The girl, later identified as Honesty Cheadle of Southeast, succumbed to her injuries on Monday, July 7. Police say witnesses reported that at least one person fired multiple rounds into the vehicle; aside from Honesty, no other family members in the car were physically hurt, though they were deeply shaken.
Investigators from MPD’s Major Case Squad quickly took charge of the case. By July 9, they had identified Charles Rucker, 24, of Southeast D.C., as the primary suspect. A $50,000 reward was announced for information leading to his arrest — consisting of $25,000 from MPD and an additional $25,000 contributed by the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service.
On Friday, July 11, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended Rucker without incident in Northeast Washington. He was arrested on a D.C. Superior Court warrant charging him with First-Degree Murder While Armed
At a Friday press briefing, Assistant Chief Ramey Kyle said the preliminary investigation indicates Rucker “walked up to the car… and fired shots into that vehicle,” then fled on foot. Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith described the incident as an “intended shooting,” stating investigators have found no indication of a personal connection between Rucker and the family.
“This arrest is a testament to the tireless and painstaking work performed around the clock,” Smith said Friday, acknowledging that while no arrest can replace Honesty, she hopes it brings comfort to the grieving family.
