At approximately 7:40 this evening, Sixth District officers on routine patrol in the area responded to the 100 block of 56th Place, SE to investigate the sound of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered that a woman had been shot multiple times while in the rear of 144 56th Place, SE. DCFD emergency medical technicians were then summoned to the scene.

The victim, who has been identified as 55-year-old Helen Foster, of the 100 block of 56th Place, SE, was transported to D.C. General Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 7:58 pm.

Investigation into the incident reveals that the decedent was struck by random gunfire. The case is currently under investigation by Sixth District detectives. At this time, no suspects have been placed under arrest.

Anyone who has information regarding this case is asked to contact the Sixth District detectives office at 202-727-4515 or the D.C. Crime Solvers Unit at 1-800-673-2777.

All calls to the Crime Solvers Unit are confidential and a caller need not give his or her name. If the information provided by a caller to the Crime Solvers unit leads to an arrest and indictment, the caller will be eligible for a reward of up to One Thousand Dollars.

CORRECTION: The correct name of the decedent is Helen Foster-El. One suspect was apprehended on 6/22/99. Additional suspects are being sought.