The DC Police have determined that the death of Bryan Smith, a widely recognized DJ, barber, and stylist, has been classified as a homicide. Smith tragically lost his life as a result of injuries sustained during a brutal robbery in late October 2024. The investigation is presently focused on pursuing further charges against the two teenage suspects who have already been apprehended in connection with this incident.
On the morning of October 27, 2024, at approximately 5:00 a.m., police officers were dispatched to the 500 block of T Street Northwest in response to an incident involving an unconscious individual named Smith. They discovered Smith in a critical condition and promptly transported him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Unfortunately, despite the efforts made to save his life, Smith succumbed to his injuries on November 7, 2024. The Northern Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an investigation and determined that Smith’s cause of death was blunt force trauma, classifying it as a homicide.
After Smith passed away, the police carried on with their investigation and discovered a connection between the multiple robberies that took place that morning and two teenage suspects. The suspects, a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old from Northeast D.C., were apprehended on November 14, 2024. Initially, they were charged with three counts of robbery and assault with the intent to commit robbery.
Several other victims fell prey to the suspects that morning, not just Smith. The police were able to establish a connection between the suspects and three additional robberies, all occurring one after the other.
The robberies in the series occurred as follows:
The series of robberies are as follows:
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- 5:50 a.m. – The suspects attempted to rob multiple victims in the 1900 block of 14th Street Northwest but fled without obtaining property after an assault.
- 5:55 a.m. – They robbed a victim in the 1800 block of Vermont Avenue Northwest, successfully taking their belongings before escaping in a vehicle.
- 7:22 a.m. – Another victim was robbed in the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue Northeast, with the suspects again driving away.
Detectives meticulously reviewed security footage, diligently traced the whereabouts of stolen cell phones, and closely monitored any suspicious transactions conducted using the stolen credit cards. Their unwavering dedication and meticulous work ultimately resulted in the apprehension of both suspects. The 14-year-old culprit was discovered peacefully slumbering inside a stolen vehicle and promptly taken into custody, while the 16-year-old offender was apprehended later in the day.
Following the Medical Examiner’s determination that Smith’s death was a homicide, the police are collaborating with the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia to bring forth additional charges. Initially, the suspects had been charged with robbery and assault-related crimes. However, with the reclassification of Smith’s death, there is a possibility of more severe charges, potentially including murder.