Detectives assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide and Sexual Offenses Branch are currently investigating a homicide that occurred on 3rd Street, NW.

On Friday, October 10, 2008, at approximately 7 am, police officers observed an adult female lying on the sidewalk in the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NW and determined that she was suffering from an apparent stab wound to the chest.  DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department personnel were then summoned to the scene.

The victim, identified as 40-year-old Delfa Hercules, of the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NW, was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Thus far, the investigation reveals that Ms. Hercules was stabbed by an unknown assailant while waiting at a bus stop located in the 1700 block of 3rd Street, NW.  Subsequently, she evidently attempted to return home for help and collapsed in the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NW.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM[E].  Anonymous information may also be forwarded to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

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 or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.