On November 9, 2024, at about 4:46 p.m., 22-year-old Brandon Ward of Northwest Washington, D.C., was found unconscious with gunshot wounds on the grounds of Rock Creek Cemetery near the rear of the 5000 block of First Street Northwest. D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded but Ward was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch opened an immediate investigation. Authorities described a male suspect with a dark complexion last seen wearing a white medical mask, a black jacket, black denim jeans, and black shoes. No arrests have been announced, and the MPD has offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The cemetery’s typically quiet setting became the scene of a violent crime and the motive has not been released. If anyone has information about Brandon Ward’s killing or saw someone matching the suspect description near the 5000 block of First Street Northwest that afternoon, please contact the Metropolitan Police Department.