The victim in this morning's (May 4, 2008) homicide, in the 1000 block of Vermont Avenue, NW, has been identified as 24-year-old Biniam Gebretesus, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The identity of the second victim is being withheld because he is considered a witness.

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, at approximately 3:39 am, officers from the First District responded to the 1000 block of Vermont Avenue, NW, for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located an unidentified adult male in an unconscious condition suffering from an apparent stab wound to the body. The victim was subsequently transported to the George Washington University Medical Center and pronounced dead. A second victim was also located suffering from apparent multiple stab wounds. That victim, also an adult male, was transported to an area hospital and admitted in critical condition.

This case remains under investigation by members from the department’s Homicide and Sexual Offenses Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM [E].  Information can also be provided anonymously into the Text Tip Line by text messaging 50411 from a cellular phone.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.