An argument over a knocked-over barbecue grill ended in a fatal shooting on the evening of August 1, 2023, killing 26-year-old Darnell Gibson of Washington, D.C. The disturbance began inside the apartment building on the unit block of Forrester Street SW where Gibson lived. A man later identified as Irv Duff argued with his girlfriend in the stairwell and kicked or threw Gibson’s grill, prompting Gibson and his girlfriend to come out and confront Duff.

The exchange moved outside. Duff returned to his parked vehicle, called his girlfriend and warned there was about to be a shootout. From at least 60 feet away Duff produced a pistol and fired more than 20 rounds in three rapid bursts toward Gibson and his girlfriend. Gibson’s girlfriend dropped and was unharmed; Gibson was struck three times in the upper torso from behind and was pronounced dead at the scene. Duff fled in his vehicle after the shooting and called his girlfriend again, urging her not to speak with police.

Police identified 35-year-old Irv Duff as the suspect and arrested him on charges that include first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and multiple firearm offenses. Are there witnesses or residents who remember the stairwell argument or the moments outside that evening?