At approximately 4 pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2006, police were called to a residence located in the 700 block of Delafield Street, NE, for the report of an unconscious person.  Upon arrival they located 78-year-old Lois Mathews of the Delafield Street, NE, in an unconscious condition.  DC Fire Department emergency medical personnel were called to the scene but found no signs consistent with life.

The DC Medical Examiner recently ruled the manner of death a homicide and cause of death due to poisoning.

The case is under investigation by members of the department’s Violent Crimes Branch.  Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.