Woman shot dead in Shaw neighborhood; police searching for man on dirt bike

The Shaw neighborhood of Washington D.C. is transforming with new housing and businesses. But the area is still dealing with an old problem -- gang violence.

On Memorial Day just after sunset, a 31-year-old mother was killed. Detectives want to know if the shooting is connected to ongoing disputes between street crews.

Tamara Gliss was sitting with friends along O Street in Northwest D.C. between 6th and 7th Streets just steps from her apartment building when she was shot in the head.

Neighbors and law enforcement sources believe it is gang-related. But officially, detectives are not making that connection.

Law enforcement sources also say the victim may have been near an intended target.

"It's a loss," said one of Gliss's friends, who called her a loving person. "A friend is gone. I just want her back."

"She was just a sweet person," said another friend. "She was Tamara. She was a loving, caring person and I love her."

Gliss leaves behind a 12-year-old son.

Police say a guy on a dirt bike may have fired off a shot into a group on O Street just before 9 p.m. Monday evening.

Detectives do not know for sure the guy on the dirt bike is the gunman, but they want to find him.

A day after the shooting, police are still searching for evidence. The Secret Service is also helping in the investigation with a metal detector.

Law enforcement sources say the shooting may be related to the historic street gang problem in the O Street area.

"It needs to stop," said Dorothy Irby. "It's stupid. That's what it was -- stupid because there was no reason."

Longtime residents know all about the "O Street Crew." So far, detectives are not making any connections, but some neighbors believe retaliation is just a matter of time if the shooting is gang-related.

Gang violence is alive and well here despite progress and revitalization in the area.

The recreation center here is a haven for kids. The new City Market at O brought luxury condos, new residents, a state-of-the-art grocery store and other new businesses to the neighborhood.

But despite gains made by police out here, a street crew problem with deep roots still exists.

"It was worse, but since they did the remodeling here, it's still going on, and I really believe there is going to be retaliation," said Susanne Jackson.