On April 2, 2024, at about 1:20 a.m., 19-year-old Marquis Ward was shot in the 2100 block of 9th Street Northwest near Howard University’s Plaza Towers and later died at a hospital. Officers found Ward with multiple gunshot wounds; a second adult male at the scene suffered a graze wound to his finger and was not critically injured. Authorities say a rifle was used and that the shooting is not believed to be related to the university, though the surrounding area has seen concerning levels of crime.

No arrests have been announced. Investigators are seeking a black SUV seen with three people inside at the time; surveillance video of that vehicle has been released and a reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. If anyone has information about the vehicle, the occupants, or the shooting, please come forward.