On September 6, 2016, at about 1:54 p.m., 35-year-old Joe Cook was shot in the 2500 block of Elvans Road SE in Southeast Washington, D.C., after a dispute over marijuana. Cook was struck at least twice and taken to a local hospital, where he later died. An autopsy recorded a total of 16 gunshot wounds.

Investigators identified and arrested 23-year-old Thomas Joyner of Greenbelt, Maryland. According to the government’s evidence, Joyner and Cook argued, Joyner produced a firearm and shot Cook in the back, then walked past him, turned and fired additional rounds. Joyner reportedly confessed to associates both in person and via social media. In February 2018 Joyner pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and received a 16-year prison sentence, followed by five years of supervised release. Cook’s family spoke in court, with his sister Tonetta challenging the claim that the killing was not premeditated.

If anyone knew Joe Cook or has information about the shooting or its circumstances, please share what is known.