Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced today that two arrests have been made in the shooting death of 13 year old Alonzo Robinson.
Robinson was killed on July 19, 2008 during multiple drive by shootings in the Trinidad area. On Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 18 year old Antonio McAllister was charged with First Degree Murder. Nineteen year old Joshua Benton was arrested on December 3, 2008 and is also charged with First Degree Murder. Both will be arraigned Wednesday in DC Superior Court.
Another person remains in custody on unrelated charges in Prince George’s County and is expected to be extradited to the District to face charges in connection with the murder.
Each of the defendants is believed to have taken part in the multiple shootings that occurred in the early morning hours of July 19th. In all, seven people were assaulted. Five were shot. Robinson was the only victim to die from his injuries.
“I promised the Trinidad community months ago that I would not stop until those responsible for Alonzo’s murder were brought to justice,” said Chief Lanier. “Detectives have been working tirelessly since July to bring closure to this case for the sake of the family and the residents who live in Trinidad.”
“The death of Alonzo Robinson was a tragic loss for his family and the entire community continues to mourn for him,” said Mayor Fenty. “I commend the efforts of Chief Lanier and the officers of MPD who have worked vigorously to ensure that justice is served in this case.”
The multiple shootings led Mayor Fenty and Chief Lanier to establish Neighborhood Safety Zone checkpoints in Trinidad to prevent similar attacks on residents. The checkpoints were established June 7-12 and July 19-27. Over 800 cars passed through the checkpoints, and there were no violent crimes in the Trinidad area at that time.
Thanks in large part to not only the efforts of MPD detectives, but also to the community that has been sharing information, the MPD currently has a 67% homicide closure rate. There have been 172 murders this year, compared to 174 the same time in 2007.
Anyone with information about crimes in the District is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM[E].
The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.
Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to D.C. Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided by the caller to the Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
