Samuel Hernández was 17 when he was shot and killed in Northwest Washington, D.C., early on December 20, 2021. Police responded to reports of gunfire at about 12:28 a.m. in the 200 block of Allison Street NW and found Hernández with gunshot wounds; he was later pronounced dead. He was originally from Hyattsville, Maryland and had arranged to meet a group at nearby Rock Creek Cemetery.

Investigators say Hernández may not have known the meeting involved people tied to a gang known as the Columbia Road boys, a group reported to operate in the Northwest Corridor and to have been involved in violent conflicts. A D.C. Superior Court warrant names 19-year-old Herson Guzman, also known as Herson Guzman-Orellana, as the primary suspect on a charge of First Degree Murder While Armed. Texts from Hernández’s phone show messages with a number linked to Guzman arranging the meeting roughly 20 minutes before the shooting. A reward of up to $25,000 has been offered for information leading to arrest and conviction.

Anyone who knew Samuel, saw activity around Allison Street or Rock Creek Cemetery that night, or has information about Herson Guzman is asked to come forward.