Donte E. Manning
Shot to death in the 2600 blk. of 13th St., NW
Donte E. Manning – On Thursday March 24, 2005 around 9:46 pm, 9 year old Donte was the innocent victim of an shooting, while outside of his residence in the 2600 blk. of 13th St. NW. Donte succumed to his wounds on April 26,2005. The line is crossed, when our kids are killed and no one comes forward.
Three years ago this month, 9-year old Donte Manning was playing outside his Columbia Heights home when a bullet hit him in the head, killing him.
Police said more than a sozen children were playing when shots were fifred outside the Warner apartments, in the 2600 block of 13th Street NW. Donte, a third-grader, was the only one hit.
Despite reward offers up to $125.000 and repeated canvassing of the neighborhood, detectives have yet to solve the case.
“There were witness all over that block that night. There were people out playing and walking, ” said D. C. council member Jim Grahm (D-Ward1), who was on the scene shortly after Donte was shot March 24, 2005. “But htere has been no information that’s led to an arrest. It’s astounding”.
When Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey left office at the end of 2006, he said his biggest regret was not being able to solve Donte’s case. He said it haunted him.
Police Inspector Rodney Parks said last week that the case continues to be”actively investigated”. Assistant chief Winston Robinson added that investigators are still following up on leads. “We’re hoping the community will continue to support us and help us solve this case,” Robinson said.
Donte and the other children were staying out a little later than usual because there was no school the following day. But just before 10 p.m., a man standing at 13th and Euclid streets pulled out a handgun and began firing at the crowd. Police officers conducting a drug raid had just left that block.
Donte survived for two days at Children’s National Medical Center. For months after he died, plies of stuffed animals and flowers lined the spot where he was killed.
“I can only conclude the killer is one very dangerous person,” Graham said. ‘Peolpe with information are too frightened for their own lives to step forward. otherswise, a $125,000 reward would be likely to produce meaningful evidence.”
Police urge anyone with information to call 202-727-9099.
Allison Klein
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Futher reproductionor distribution is prohibited without permission.
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