Erica Darnise Ward, 35, was shot and killed inside a residence in the 4700 block of Benning Road Southeast in Washington, D.C., on December 30, 2020. Police were called at about 11:38 p.m.; Ward was transported to a hospital but did not survive. The incident was described as domestic in nature; Ward and the suspect had a son together.

Police arrested 54-year-old Samuel Mack of Northeast D.C. the same day and charged him initially with first-degree murder while armed. Court filings later showed Mack said the gun discharged accidentally while he was gathering his belongings to leave the apartment. In March 2021 a judge ruled the evidence did not support premeditation and allowed the case to proceed on the lesser charge of second-degree murder while armed; the judge cited conduct showing a conscious disregard for extreme risk. Mack was released to home confinement.

Anyone with information about Ward, the shooting, or the household is asked to come forward.