Tyale Coates, a 14-year-old boy described by his family as sheltered and under a strict curfew, was tragically shot and killed while grabbing lunch with a friend at a food truck in Washington, D.C. Alongside him, 12-year-old Mhilo Young also lost his life in the senseless violence. Authorities have not made any arrests in connection with the double homicide.
The Tragic Incident
On April 14, 2026, at approximately 3:25 p.m., Tyale and Mhilo were at a food truck on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue in northeast Washington, D.C. The area is known to be in close proximity to where both boys lived. Tyale, who had a strict 7:30 p.m. curfew and was not allowed to roam freely in his neighborhood, had just recently been permitted to ride the bus home from school for the first time.
Tyale’s family shared with local ABC affiliate WJLA that he had asked his mother for permission to visit the food truck down the street, and she had agreed. His aunt, Morgan Wingate, explained, “He had permission to be where he was at, and he just got there, ’cause I was just on the phone with his mom when he asked.”
However, moments after Tyale got his food, a group of individuals opened fire in the parking lot. Police said 60 shots were fired, and both Tyale and Mhilo were struck in the barrage of gunfire. Officers who arrived on the scene found both boys suffering from gunshot wounds. Tyale was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mhilo was rushed to a nearby hospital but was also pronounced dead shortly after.
Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
Tyale’s aunt, Morgan Wingate, recounted the moment she received the devastating news. “Tyale’s mother called me. She was screaming. She was screaming,” Wingate said. “I’m like, ‘What?’ She was like, ‘They shot my son.’”
Tyale’s family described him as a young boy who loved to fish with his uncles and father and was just beginning to learn how to drive. His tragic death has left the family heartbroken, as they had tried to keep him safe from the dangers of the outside world.
Investigation and Reward
The Metropolitan Police Department is continuing to investigate the shooting and has issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the deaths of Tyale and Mhilo. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them at (202) 727-9099.
As of now, there have been no arrests made in connection with the double homicide, and the families of the victims are left seeking justice for the senseless and tragic loss of their loved ones.
