Full Breakdown
D.C. Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Mother and Recovery of Missing Child
4/23/2026, 4:18:14 AM
Incident Overview
On Tuesday night, April 2026, 25-year-old Jamillah Gales was fatally shot in an alley located in the 600 block of Kenyon Street NW, Washington, D.C. The shooting occurred shortly before 11 p.m. after Gales reportedly engaged in an argument with a man, who subsequently fled the scene. Gales was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Missing Child and Amber Alert Issuance
Following the shooting, Gales' 2-year-old son, Royce Hawkins, was reported missing, having last been seen with his mother before the incident. The Metropolitan Police Department issued an Amber Alert for the child early Wednesday morning, as concerns grew over his safety. The alert was activated due to the uncertainty surrounding Hawkins' whereabouts after his mother's death.
Child Found Safe
Shortly after the Amber Alert was issued, police located Royce Hawkins unharmed around 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday. He was found in an apartment on Kenyon Street, in the vicinity of where the shooting occurred, with the man accused of killing his mother. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, has been charged with second-degree murder. Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeffery Carroll stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the nature of the relationship between the suspect and Gales.
Official Statements
In a statement following the recovery of the child, police expressed gratitude to the community for their assistance during the search. "The AMBER Alert is canceled. We thank the community for their assistance and will provide updates on the investigation shortly," said the police department.
Criticism & Opposition
While the police have made progress in the investigation, some community members have raised concerns regarding the safety of children in the area and the circumstances leading to Gales' death. There are calls for increased measures to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
As of now, the police have not publicly identified the suspect involved in Gales' shooting, nor have they disclosed any details regarding his relationship with the victim. This lack of information has led to speculation and concern within the community about the potential risks posed by the suspect.
What's Next
The investigation into the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the recovery of Royce Hawkins is ongoing. Authorities are expected to release further updates as they gather more information regarding the suspect and the events leading up to the tragic incident.
