Nelson Ryan, 22, a Black man from Washington, D.C., was fatally shot just before 12:52 a.m. on July 25, 2009. He was standing near 1816 M Street NE when gunfire broke the early-morning quiet and struck him. Metropolitan Police Department Homicide detectives handled the investigation and issued a public appeal and a reward notice of up to $25,000 for tips leading to an arrest and conviction.

No suspect description or motive was released in the immediate aftermath, and investigators sought witnesses who might have been nearby that night. An obituary confirmed his age and the date of death, and the case remained listed among the city’s unsolved homicides for 2009. Authorities have not announced any arrests and continue to invite information.

If anyone remembers being on or near M Street NE that night or has information that could help, please come forward.