Teen Arrested in Young D.C. Dad's Shooting Death

Police say a 16-year-old was charged Tuesday in the shooting death of a 24-year-old father.

Crews responded to the 500 block of Alabama Avenue SE around 10 p.m. Nov. 5, where they found James E. Booker of Southeast D.C. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead.

An investigation revealed Booker was surrounded by three men in the 3200 block of 6th Street SE near Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. At least one of the attackers was wearing a mask.

There was a confrontation and Booker was shot multiple times. He ran to Alabama Avenue and eventually collapsed from his injuries, according to the investigation.

The 16-year-old suspect, who is also from Southeast D.C., has been charged as an adult with murder and is being held behind bars without bond.

“This is the first person in our family that got killed,” Booker's cousin Natalie Booker said. “Sixteen? You still shouldn’t be out there that late… and be able to get to a gun? That’s crazy.”

She said James was raised by his grandmother, who is unable to pay for even the most basic funeral.

"We have to get whatever resources we can have to send him off properly. That's been a problem ... who at 24 thinks about life insurance?" Natalie Booker said.

James was a new father, and was turning his life around, his cousin told News4. 

Police say more arrests in the case are expected.

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