In the predawn hours of Saturday, August 17, 2019, gunfire erupted in Southeast Washington, D.C. Police responding around 3:05 a.m. found 28-year-old William Roland of Southeast lying in the street in the 1500 block of 18th Street with multiple gunshot wounds. He was struck in the chest and neck and was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Eleven shell casings were recovered at the scene. Medical personnel later pronounced Roland dead at the hospital.

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch investigated the killing and offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. On April 29, 2020, police arrested 26-year-old Melvin Simmons of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and charged him with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Roland’s death.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about Roland’s movements that night, please share what is known with investigators.