DC police thank community for info leading to arrests in recent murders, assault cases

WASHINGTON - DC police announced arrests Tuesday in connection to two recent murder cases and an assault, all of which happened recently. Authorities credit the public with coming forward and giving them information that led to these arrests.

In a news conference, Assistant Police Chief Peter Newsham said the first arrest was in relation to an August 7 shooting, which took place in the 500 block of M Street around 12 pm. The suspect, 31-year-old Moses Walker of Oxon Hill, Md., allegedly approached three people and began firing at two of them while the third person ran. Two victims were hit by gunfire, and they hid inside a church to escape. The suspect chased the third victim, hitting him in the head and face repeatedly before running away.

After several witnesses at the scene were interviewed, Walker was arrested and charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, destruction of property and felony threats. Police believe that shooting was in retaliation for a homicide that had taken place on Eastern Avenue the night before, Newsham said.

Newsham also announced an arrest in a deadly stabbing that happened Monday night at 2nd and E Street NW. In that case, the victim died at the hospital. Police have arrested 50-year-old George Lee Joyner of NW DC. The victim's name is not being released pending notification of next of kin.

Finally, Newsham also announced three arrests in the August 3 shooting death of 19-year-old Derek Johnson, who was shot along with another man in the 600 block of M Street. DC police arrested 20-year-old Mark Butler, and Marcus Martin, Jr. whose age was not immediately given. Both men are charged with first-degree felony murder.

A third suspect is in custody in Prince George's County, and is currently awaiting extradition.

Newsham reinerated that all of the arrests announced Tuesday were possible because of help from the community, and the department is grateful for the information they have received.