A late-night police call in Northwest D.C. turned into a heartbreaking mystery after officers found a woman shot to death in an alley and realized her 2-year-old son was nowhere to be found.
DC police say the missing child, identified as 2-year-old Royce Hawkins, has not been seen since his mother was discovered unresponsive behind a row of homes. The case has triggered a missing-child alert alongside an active homicide investigation in the Fourth District.
Police issue missing-child alert
The Metropolitan Police Department reports that Fourth District officers responded to the 600 block of Kenyon Street NW around 10:52 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21. In a rear alley, officers found an adult woman suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
DC Fire and EMS arrived and pronounced the woman dead at the scene. According to police, her 2-year-old son, Royce Hawkins, could not be located, and investigators quickly issued a public alert. The department has released a photo of Royce and is asking residents across the area to be on the lookout.
Investigators say suspect may have been known to victim
FOX 5 DC reports that investigators told the station they believe the suspected shooter may have been someone the woman knew. No arrests have been made.
Detectives are investigating the case as a homicide as they work to determine who was with the victim before the gunfire and what led up to the deadly encounter in the alley.
How to help
Authorities are urging anyone who sees 2-year-old Royce Hawkins or has information about the shooting to contact police immediately. Call 911, reach the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099, or text tips to 50411, according to the department.
MPD is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.
