The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said an 18-month-old boy was fatally shot in Southeast Washington on Wednesday.
The incident reportedly took place at the River Heights Condominiums located on Chester Street near downtown Anacostia around 1 pm. The child, identified as Legend King Wheeler by his family members, died at the hospital where he was taken to.
“This child has lost his life as a result of someone’s either carelessness or recklessness,” said DC Police Chief Robert Contee, noting that MPD’s investigation has not yet determined whether the gunshot was self-inflicted.
“Somehow a gun was present and we know that this child will not see Thanksgiving tomorrow,” Contee added, stating that keeping firearms at home poses a serious danger especially for young kids.
Chief Contee provides an update to a child shot in the 2300 block of Chester Street, SE. pic.twitter.com/Td0aT5NKhm
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) November 24, 2021
Speaking to NBC Washington, Legend’s grandmother Tawanda Barber said “My whole heart just dropped… I’m just going to miss his smile, how he played with everybody.”
DC police’s investigation is still ongoing and any resident who has information on the incident is asked to call the Department.