At approximately 10:58 am, on Monday, December 26, 2005, Metropolitan Police were called to a private residence at 3414 South Dakota Avenue, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 25-year-old Latesha Bernese Etheridge, of the 2400 block Kirston Street in Hyattsville, Maryland, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene but found no signs consistent with life. The victim was transported to the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and pronounced dead at 12:55 pm.
Members of the MPDC's Violent Crimes Branch obtained an arrest warrant charging 1st Degree Murder While Armed for William E. Gales, of the South Dakota Avenue, NE, address. He is described as a 31-year-old, black male, medium complexion, 6'1" to 6'2" tall, 240 to 250 pounds, and last seen operating a white vehicle with unknown paper tags.
The case is under investigation by members of the Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information as to Mr. Gales' whereabouts or who sees him should take no direct action, but should call police at 9-1-1 or (202) 727-9099. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
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.
Update 2/6/06