D.C. Witness Reports Increase in Homicides and Non-Fatal Shootings in Washington D.C. during December 2023

By
Adriana Marroquin
– January 4, 2024


Daily Stories
|
Data
|
Featured
|
Homicides
|
Shooting
|
Stabbing
|
Suspects
|
Victims
|

D.C. Witness, a leading source of crime data and news, has released its latest report on the number of homicides and non-fatal shootings in Washington D.C. during December 2023. The data reveals a concerning increase in violent crimes within the District.

December 2023: A Month Marred by Tragedy

According to D.C. Witness’s data, the month of December witnessed a total of 22 homicides and seven non-fatal shootings in the District. The majority of these incidents were shootings, with only three classified as stabbings.

A Tragic Domestic Incident

One of the most notable cases reported by D.C. Witness involved an elderly couple. 85-year-old Steven Schwartz has been charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly fatally stabbing his 81-year-old wife, Sharron Hilda Schwartz. The incident occurred on December 10, at their residence on the 1300 block of Corcoran Street, NW.

Upon responding to the location, officers discovered Sharron with stab wounds and Steven with self-inflicted wounds. Both individuals were immediately transported to a local hospital, where Sharron tragically succumbed to her injuries.

A Devastating Mass Shooting

During the month of December, D.C. Witness reported on a horrifying mass shooting incident that resulted in two deaths and two injuries. On December 21, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Half Street, SW, following a report of a shooting. At the scene, three men and a woman were found with gunshot wounds.

Regrettably, the woman succumbed to her injuries before medical assistance could be provided. The three injured men were rushed to a local hospital, where one remains in treatment, one has been released, and another tragically lost his life.

The victims of this terrible incident were identified as 35-year-old Patricia Harris and 24-year-old Tyrone Jacobs. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is currently conducting an ongoing investigation to apprehend the individual or individuals responsible for this heinous crime.

A Year Marked by Rising Violence

The year 2023 concluded as the deadliest year in decades for the District of Columbia. D.C. Witness’s data reveals a significant increase in homicides, with a total of 278 recorded for the year. This represents a stark rise from the 219 homicides reported in 2022 and the 177 homicides recorded in 2015.

Follow this case