Suspect arrested in shooting death of 3-year-old girl, DC police say
DC police arrest suspect in murder of 3-year-old girl
D.C. Police have arrested a man accused of shooting and killing a three-year-old girl in Southeast.
WASHINGTON - D.C. Police have arrested a man accused of shooting and killing a three-year-old girl in Southeast.
What we know:
D.C. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith announced on Friday that a man has been arrested for the weekend shooting that left a three-year-old girl dead.
The suspect is 24-year-old Charles Rucker of Southeast, D.C. He has been charged with first-degree murder while armed.
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DC police announce the arrest of a 24-year-old Charles Rucker in the fatal shooting of 3 year old Honesty Cheadle in Washington DC.
Rucker is accused in the death of Honesty Cheadle, who police say was sitting in a car with family members around 3 a.m.
"It’s very frustrating. In this particular case we do know just based on the preliminary investigation is that this seemed to be a intended shooting it was not one where we believe at this time that there were other individuals sought at the time," Chief Smith said.
"We know today's news does not make you whole again. Nothing we can do will be able to fill the void left by Honesty's passing, but we hope today's arrest brings some measure of comfort to your family," she continued.
The backstory:
Officers responded to the 1000 block of 14th Street, Southeast just after 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, for a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers found a 3-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to the upper body. D.C. Fire and EMS responded to the scene and took the girl to a local hospital where she was treated for critical injuries.
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On July 7, police reported that the little girl died from her injuries. She has since been identified as 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle.
Police say their preliminary investigation revealed that at least one suspect began shooting on the block and the gunfire hit a parked vehicle where the girl was seated alongside family members.
What's next:
FOX 5 did speak with Honesty's aunt. The family is currently planning her funeral and they've created a GoFundMe to help raise money for her services.
"This is every family’s worst nightmare, and it has left our hearts completely shattered. Honesty was only 3 years old — full of light, personality, and so much promise. She was innocent and deserved a lifetime of love, joy, and safety," the fundraising page reads.
A balloon release and candlelight vigil were held to honor her life on Saturday.
According to a social media post from Chosen Funeral Home, her services will be held at Bethesda Baptist Church at 10 a.m. on July 22.