On Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at about 12 noon, Metropolitan Police officers on patrol in the area responded to the 3000 block of Q Street, SE, to investigate the sound of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds and lying in front of 3006 Q Street, SE. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel were summoned to the scene, but could find no life signs. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Michael Beckham, of the 1100 block of Adeline Way in Capitol Heights, Maryland, was pronounced dead on the scene by a member of the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The victim's body was transported by morgue wagon to the Medical Examiner's Office.
Sixth District officers pursued a gray-colored Chevrolet Tahoe, occupied by three subjects, that sped away from the scene. The pursuit, which lasted about 40 minutes, went into Prince George's County and then back into the District. Along the way, it was joined by personnel from the Prince George's County Police Department, with the assistance of its helicopter. Additional assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department's Air Support Unit.
The Tahoe was eventually stopped in the 3300 block of Nash Street, SE, and three suspects were taken into custody. During the pursuit, Prince George's County Police recovered a Mac-10 assault-style weapon that was reportedly thrown from the pursued vehicle. There were no injuries or property damage associated with the pursuit.
On Tuesday night, all three subjects were formally charged with Murder One While Armed. The suspects are identified as 26-year-old Ronald English, of the 1700 block of A Street, SE; 25-year-old Brian Gilliam, of the 1300 block of South Carolina Avenue, SE, and 29-year-old Terrell Hargraves, of the 3900 block of Clay Place, NE.
Investigation into this shooting incident revealed that Mr. Beckham had been one of three occupants of a Ford Thunderbird that allegedly was fired on by at least one occupant of the Chevy Tahoe, while the two vehicles were in the 3000 block of Q Street, SE. Beckham exited the Thunderbird and fled on foot to the front of 3006 Q Street, SE, where he collapsed.
The operator of the Thunderbird, who was shot multiple times, sped away from the crime scene and drove to the Sixth District Substation, located at 2701 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. DC Fire/EMS personnel were summoned to the substation. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he was admitted in stable condition. The other occupant of the Thunderbird was not physically injured. The identities of the driver and passenger of the Thunderbird are being withheld because they are witnesses in the case.
The investigation into this case is continuing. Metropolitan Police are attempting to locate a second weapon, described as a 9 mm. handgun, that is believed to have been used in the shooting. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.
Chief of Police Charles H. Ramsey commended the MPDC members for their outstanding efforts in the apprehension of the alleged suspects, and he thanked the Prince George's County Police for its assistance.