Deon Davis and Wilbur Thomas were two teenagers living secret lives when they were gunned down in Southeast Washington nearly 10 years ago.
Davis, 18, was known as Ukea, and Thomas, 19, went by Stephanie. They were transgendered — born male but living as females. Police have not ruled out the possibility that their killings were the result of a hate crime.
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A year after their deaths, D.C. police said they had some promising leads and were close to making an arrest. They just needed a little more information to secure the warrant, they said. But detectives still are seeking that final clue and are looking for help from the public. They’re offering up to $50,000 if the tip leads to a conviction.
One theory, police say, is that the teens were murdered because the killer had been flirting with the two until he discovered they were transgendered.
The killings happened Aug. 12, 2002, shortly after 3 a.m. The teenagers were in a black Toyota Camry at a stop sign at 50th and C streets SE, a half block from Thomas’ home. Davis was driving, with Thomas in the passenger seat.
Witnesses told police that a dark Crown Victoria pulled next to the Camry. There was an argument. A male passenger got out, pulled a 9 mm semi-automatic and shot into the driver’s side of the Camry. The man climbed back into the Crown Victoria, which drove off. Minutes later, the Crown Victoria returned, and a passenger got out and used the same gun to shoot into the driver’s side window of the Camry.
The pair were shot at least 10 times. Anyone with information on the case can contact police through the tip line at 1-888-919-CRIME or by text messaging 50411.
