US Marshals searching for 'armed and dangerous' fugitive wanted for Morgan State University shooting
WASHINGTON - U.S. Marshals are now searching for an 18-year-old wanted in connection to the shooting at a Morgan State University homecoming event that left five people injured.
Officials say Jovon Williams is now the target of an interstate fugitive investigation. He’s been charged by the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City with attempted first-degree murder and other charges stemming from the shooting. The arrest warrant was issued on Oct. 11.
U.S. Marshals have already arrested a 17-year-old who is charged as a co-defendant in the shooting in D.C. on Oct. 12. He is facing multiple counts of attempted murder.
The shooting took place around 9:30 p.m. at an Oct. 3 homecoming event. Five people — four of whom were students — were injured. Police said they believed at least two people opened fire during a dispute and that the victims were not the intended targets.
In a statement, Morgan State University President David Wilson said neither Williams nor the 17-year-old arrested are Morgan State students. Neither have a connection to the university, he added.
Police confirmed to FOX 5 that at 15 years old, Williams was previously reported missing in D.C. The Deputy Mayor for Public Safety’s office wouldn't say whether the city had any contact with him as a juvenile but claims they do perform a post-investigation when a D.C. youth are involved in serious crimes.
Williams was arrested back in January in connection with alleged Kennedy Street Crew criminal activity. He was one of at least 12 people charged in the gun and drug trafficking case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the USMS and the Internal Revenue Service.
He was picked up in a Northeast D.C. home with multiple guns and ammunition following a search warrant but was released after that arrest. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Williams was federally indicted about five months later in June after they were able to develop sufficient evidence to link him to a firearm recovered in January. He’s been wanted ever since his indictment.
As the search for Williams continues, Baltimore's Attorney General is criticizing D.C., saying that the crime crisis is spilling out of Washington.
FOX 5 asked Mayor Muriel Bowser what she thought about the comments Monday.
"I don’t know that I have a response to that," Bowser said. "What I know is almost immediately when law enforcement officials put out those pictures, the suspect individuals were identified, and that information was shared with local law enforcement. I think what’s important to focus on is the U.S. Attorney, the FBI and MPD have been working on a months-long investigation."
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The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to Williams’ arrest. Additionally, Metro Crime Stoppers and ATF are offering a reward of up to $9,000 for tips leading to an arrest and charges filed.
Law enforcement says Williams should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 or submit tips via the USMS Tips App. Individuals with time-sensitive information can also contact Deputy U.S. Marshal Maresca directly at (202) 819-5058.