Fatal Shooting of John Watts, 37, on Benning Road SE

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Southeast.
 
On Monday, August 17, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Sixth District officers responded to the 5000 block of Benning Road, Southeast for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later died due to his injuries. 
 
The decedent has been identified as 37-year-old John Watts, of Southeast, DC.
 
Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia. 
 
CCN: 26115815