Two Teens Indicted For Murder In Drive-By Shooting Of Congressional Intern

Michael

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Post on Sep 12, 2025

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Two Teens Indicted for Murder in Drive-By Shooting of Congressional Intern

A wave of shock and grief swept through Washington D.C. this week following the indictment of two teenagers, 17-year-old Marcus "Mark" Riley and 16-year-old Samantha "Sam" Jones, for the murder of 22-year-old David Chen, a congressional intern. Chen was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting last Saturday. The incident has sparked outrage and reignited the debate surrounding gun violence and youth crime in the nation's capital.

The indictment, unsealed Tuesday morning by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, charges Riley and Jones with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and related firearms offenses. Court documents allege that the teens were involved in a gang-related dispute that tragically culminated in Chen's death. He was an innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire while walking home from work.

<h3>The Incident and its Aftermath</h3>

The shooting occurred around 7 pm last Saturday evening near the intersection of 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, a location frequented by both residents and tourists. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a dark-colored sedan speeding away from the scene. Chen was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. The swift response from emergency services and the immediate launch of a comprehensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were commended by city officials.

The subsequent manhunt for the suspects involved extensive surveillance footage analysis and cooperation from the community. The MPD utilized advanced forensic techniques, including ballistic analysis and digital forensics, to build a strong case against the two teenagers. The arrest of Riley and Jones on Monday evening brought a sense of closure to many, though the pain of Chen’s loss remains deeply felt.

<h3>Community Outrage and Calls for Action</h3>

The murder of David Chen has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly within the circles of Congressional staffers and interns. Many have expressed their profound sorrow and anger, demanding stricter gun control measures and increased support for youth crime prevention programs.

• Increased Gun Control: The incident has re-ignited the long-standing debate surrounding gun control legislation in the United States. Many are calling for stricter background checks, limitations on assault weapons, and increased funding for gun violence research.
• Youth Intervention Programs: Advocates are emphasizing the urgent need for investment in youth development programs, focusing on conflict resolution, job training, and mentorship opportunities. They believe these preventative measures can significantly reduce youth involvement in crime.
• Gang Violence Prevention: The alleged gang-related nature of the crime highlights the ongoing struggle with gang violence in Washington D.C. Increased funding for anti-gang initiatives and community policing are considered vital to address this pervasive issue.

The tragic death of David Chen serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. This case underscores the importance of community engagement, effective law enforcement, and preventative measures to curb youth crime and create safer communities. The trial for Riley and Jones is expected to begin early next year, and the city awaits the justice process while grappling with the immense loss of a promising young life.

Further resources: For more information on gun violence prevention, you can visit the website of . For information on youth violence prevention programs in Washington D.C., you may contact the .