Reginald Steele, Jr., a 26-year-old associated with various local street crews, has been found guilty by a Superior Court jury of first-degree murder and several other charges in connection with the shooting death of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes. The verdict, which was announced on Wednesday, also includes convictions for assault with intent to kill while armed, and additional firearm-related charges, according to a release by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Steele, who is linked to the 3500, CHV, Rock Creek Church, Really Ready Gang, and 640 crews, was a participant in an ongoing feud that claimed the life of young Lukes on March 1, 2020. The animosity, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, stemmed from a territorial dispute with the Ninth Street crew and involved men driving in a stolen Kia Soul, identified through surveillance videos and text message evidence.
Fatal shots were fired at approximately 2:08 pm that Sunday, leaving Lukes dead and a second boy injured. The jury heard that Steele and his associates continued their armed campaign soon after, with an attack at 2:18 pm against Ninth Street associates. No injuries were sustained in the second shooting.
Linking Steele to the crimes, the government's case was built on circumstantial evidence that included GPS and cell site data from the stolen vehicle, and shell casings that matched those from another shooting incident on February 22, 2020. In this earlier incident, Steele, following an altercation, discharged 11 rounds at individuals in the Petworth neighborhood.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine F. Pirro, along with MPD Chief Pamela Smith, recognized the collaborative efforts of numerous agencies and individuals involved in bringing the case to a close. Commendations were given to MPD investigators, paralegal and victim witness support staff, investigative analysts, technical experts, and special legal counsel, all who played vital roles in the successful prosecution, as highlighted by the U.S. Attorney's Office announcement.
