A months-long homicide hunt that started behind a Trinidad apartment building last summer has led to an arrest. Police say a Maryland man was taken into custody this week in connection with a June 2025 shooting that left a 33-year-old man dead in Northeast D.C.
As reported by WJLA, officers arrested 28-year-old Javonte Robinson of Glen Burnie, Md., who now faces a charge of first-degree murder while armed. The outlet notes that an arrest warrant for Robinson was issued on Feb. 18, 2026, and that officers located him and took him into custody this week after a regional search led by the Metropolitan Police Department with help from Maryland agencies.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Fifth District officers were called to the rear of the 1200 block of Raum Street NE on June 2, 2025, where they found an adult man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS rushed him to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police identified the victim as 33-year-old Kalil Jerald Brown and said at the time that detectives would keep working the case.
Investigation and arrest
Detectives told WJLA they had been searching for the person responsible for months, turning up leads across jurisdictional lines before focusing on Robinson. The arrest effectively closes the manhunt side of the investigation into last summer's killing, although the homicide case itself is still open. Police have not publicly released a possible motive.
Legal status
Robinson is accused of first-degree murder while armed, though court records and arraignment dates were not immediately available. Per the Metropolitan Police Department, anyone with information is urged to call (202) 727-9099 or text tips to 50411. The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
News of the arrest has brought some relief to neighbors who said the June shooting rattled the block, but both residents and police note there are still unanswered questions. Investigators are asking anyone with video, photos, or additional leads to come forward as the case moves from the streets into the courtroom.
