A 2-year-old boy who went missing after a fatal shooting that killed his mother has been found safely, alongside the suspect believed to be responsible for the crime. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C. confirmed on Wednesday, April 22, that they located Royce Hawkins with the suspect hours after he was reported missing.
The Tragic Shooting and Amber Alert
The incident began late on the evening of Tuesday, April 21, when officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 600 block of Kenyon Street, Northwest. Upon arrival, police found 25-year-old Jamillah Gales shot and lying unconscious in a rear alley. Despite life-saving efforts by DC Fire and EMS personnel, Gales was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives quickly determined that Gales’ 2-year-old son, Royce Hawkins, had been with her shortly before the shooting but was missing following the incident. In response, the MPD issued an Amber Alert to help locate the young boy.
Quick Resolution and Community Assistance
Just hours after the Amber Alert was issued, MPD confirmed at 11 a.m. on April 22 that Hawkins had been found “unharmed” and the alert was canceled. Police thanked the community for their assistance and assured the public that further updates on the investigation would follow. Hawkins was located in a residence near the shooting scene, where authorities also arrested the suspect.
Investigation and Arrest of Suspect
The suspect, whose identity has not been released by police, was found alongside another man inside the same residence where Hawkins was found. MPD Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll explained during a press conference that officers’ investigative efforts, including tips from the Amber Alert and door-to-door canvassing, helped lead them to the location.
Carroll confirmed that the suspect, who has been charged with second-degree murder, is not the biological father of the child. The MPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, the authorities are piecing together the details of the shooting and the connection between the suspect and Gales. The community’s response, including the Amber Alert, played a significant role in locating Hawkins and bringing some resolution to an otherwise heartbreaking situation.
