Detectives assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced that an arrest has been made in the homicide of Clarence Dews, who was assaulted during the commission of a robbery on July 20, 2009 while in the 2700 block of Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE and died of his injuries on July 25, 2009.  On Saturday, October 31, 2009, at approximately 12:30 pm, 17-year-old Joshua Ruth, who is being charged as an adult under Title 16 of the DC Code, was arrested at his home address located in the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.  Joshua Ruth, who was apprehended, without incident, by members the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, has been charged with Felony Murder.

On Monday, July 20, 2009 at approximately 10:40 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the 2700 block of Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male suffering from lacerations to his face and hands. The victim, who was conscious and breathing, was admitted in stable condition at a local hospital.

On Friday, July 24, 2009, the victim was transported to another local hospital and listed in critical condition. At 11:49 am on Saturday, July 25, 2009, the victim, identified as 76-year-old Clarence Lawrence Dews of the 2900 block of Seventh Street, SE, was pronounced dead.