In the early minutes of May 28, 2019, gunfire broke out on the 2600 block of Birney Place Southeast in Washington, D.C. Officers found two victims; William Jblaze Boykin, 36, of District Heights, Maryland, was discovered behind the buildings with multiple gunshot wounds and later died at a hospital. A second adult male survived a gunshot wound to his foot and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The Metropolitan Police Department opened the case as a homicide, canvassed the area for evidence and video, and issued a public appeal and reward flyer.

Investigators arrested 28-year-old Herman Sylvester Williams of Southeast D.C. on June 4, 2019, charging him initially with second-degree murder while armed. Prosecutors later obtained an indictment that included first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and multiple firearm counts. Over subsequent years the case saw repeated delays, changes in counsel, and litigation over evidence and deadlines. In April 2023, five of six counts were dismissed without prejudice; Williams was left facing only unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, for which he received time served and supervised release.

Boykin is remembered by friends and family as Blaze, a longtime D.C. area resident who attended local schools. His death remains listed among the district’s unsolved 2019 homicides. Anyone who knew William or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.