Topline: The 35-year-old victim died days after suffering injuries that police say were caused by multiple blunt force trauma.
Published: June 18, 2026 7:17 am ET
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly two weeks after a man was found gravely injured in an alley in Northeast Washington, D.C., investigators have ruled his death a homicide as family members continue searching for answers and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Dalonte Lamont Jackson, 35, died on May 29 after spending several days hospitalized following a violent attack, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Police said Sixth District officers responded around 4:33 p.m. on May 24 to the 3300 block of East Capitol Street Northeast after receiving a report of an unconscious person. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers found Jackson unconscious but still breathing and suffering from severe injuries.
D.C. Fire and EMS transported Jackson to a local hospital, where he remained on life support for several days. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died on May 29, police said.
An autopsy completed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Jackson died from multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The death was officially ruled a homicide on June 3.
Investigators later determined the assault did not occur where Jackson was found. According to police, the attack took place at a residence in the 3600 block of Jay Street Northeast, an area that includes the Paradise at Parkside Apartments.
NBC4 Washington reported that Jackson was discovered in an alley off East Capitol Street, roughly a seven-minute drive from the apartment complex where relatives believe he was attacked.
Jackson’s family told NBC4 they believe he was lured to the apartment before the assault. Family members also pointed to a text message Jackson reportedly sent to a friend shortly before the attack.
“He texts them and he basically said, ‘I don’t feel safe, and if something happens, I am with X, Y’,” Jackson’s aunt, Mottdricka Jackson, told NBC4.
Relatives described the injuries Jackson suffered as devastating. His grandmother, Sharon Jones, told NBC4 that Jackson endured extensive trauma during the attack.
“His skull was crashed, he was stabbed numerous times, his leg and his arm was broken,” Jones said. “Beat to death.”
According to NBC4, family members shared photographs showing significant injuries to Jackson’s face following the assault.
Jackson’s grandmother also expressed anguish over the circumstances surrounding where he was found.
“For them to take his body from this area to East Capitol Street and dump him like waste in the garbage?” Jones told NBC4. “But someone, an angel, appeared there and called 911.”
Family members have publicly questioned whether Jackson may have been targeted because he was gay. However, NBC4 reported that Metropolitan Police told the station there is currently no evidence indicating the killing was motivated by bias.
“There is no evidence to show this was a hate-bias incident,” police said in a statement provided to NBC4.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, identified any suspects, or disclosed a possible motive. WJLA reported that investigators have not said who may be responsible for the killing or what may have led to the attack.
As detectives continue their investigation, Jackson’s family is remembering him for the life he lived rather than the violence that ended it.
According to NBC4, family and friends recently gathered near his home at the Mayfair apartment complex to celebrate his life. Loved ones remembered him as a talented cook, a dedicated worker, and a familiar face in Washington’s coffee community.
“He was known in Chinatown as ‘that coffee man,'” Mottdricka Jackson told NBC4. “He worked for Starbucks and for Peet’s, Capital One Arena, and Starbucks at the Convention Center.”
Even amid their grief, Jackson’s family found a way to help others. NBC4 reported that his organs were donated, saving the lives of four people.
The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone with information about Jackson’s killing to call police at 202-727-9099 or submit anonymous tips by text to 50411. Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Man Sent Text Saying ‘I Don’t Feel Safe’ Before He Was Found Beaten and Left in Alley
The 35-year-old victim died days after suffering injuries that police say were caused by multiple blunt force trauma.
By Jacob Charles
Published: June 18, 2026 7:17 am ET
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly two weeks after a man was found gravely injured in an alley in Northeast Washington, D.C., investigators have ruled his death a homicide as family members continue searching for answers and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Dalonte Lamont Jackson, 35, died on May 29 after spending several days hospitalized following a violent attack, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Police said Sixth District officers responded around 4:33 p.m. on May 24 to the 3300 block of East Capitol Street Northeast after receiving a report of an unconscious person. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers found Jackson unconscious but still breathing and suffering from severe injuries.
D.C. Fire and EMS transported Jackson to a local hospital, where he remained on life support for several days. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died on May 29, police said.
An autopsy completed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Jackson died from multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The death was officially ruled a homicide on June 3.
Investigators later determined the assault did not occur where Jackson was found. According to police, the attack took place at a residence in the 3600 block of Jay Street Northeast, an area that includes the Paradise at Parkside Apartments.
NBC4 Washington reported that Jackson was discovered in an alley off East Capitol Street, roughly a seven-minute drive from the apartment complex where relatives believe he was attacked.
Jackson’s family told NBC4 they believe he was lured to the apartment before the assault. Family members also pointed to a text message Jackson reportedly sent to a friend shortly before the attack.
“He texts them and he basically said, ‘I don’t feel safe, and if something happens, I am with X, Y’,” Jackson’s aunt, Mottdricka Jackson, told NBC4.
Relatives described the injuries Jackson suffered as devastating. His grandmother, Sharon Jones, told NBC4 that Jackson endured extensive trauma during the attack.
“His skull was crashed, he was stabbed numerous times, his leg and his arm was broken,” Jones said. “Beat to death.”
According to NBC4, family members shared photographs showing significant injuries to Jackson’s face following the assault.
Jackson’s grandmother also expressed anguish over the circumstances surrounding where he was found.
“For them to take his body from this area to East Capitol Street and dump him like waste in the garbage?” Jones told NBC4. “But someone, an angel, appeared there and called 911.”
Family members have publicly questioned whether Jackson may have been targeted because he was gay. However, NBC4 reported that Metropolitan Police told the station there is currently no evidence indicating the killing was motivated by bias.
“There is no evidence to show this was a hate-bias incident,” police said in a statement provided to NBC4.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, identified any suspects, or disclosed a possible motive. WJLA reported that investigators have not said who may be responsible for the killing or what may have led to the attack.
As detectives continue their investigation, Jackson’s family is remembering him for the life he lived rather than the violence that ended it.
According to NBC4, family and friends recently gathered near his home at the Mayfair apartment complex to celebrate his life. Loved ones remembered him as a talented cook, a dedicated worker, and a familiar face in Washington’s coffee community.
“He was known in Chinatown as ‘that coffee man,'” Mottdricka Jackson told NBC4. “He worked for Starbucks and for Peet’s, Capital One Arena, and Starbucks at the Convention Center.”
Even amid their grief, Jackson’s family found a way to help others. NBC4 reported that his organs were donated, saving the lives of four people.
The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone with information about Jackson’s killing to call police at 202-727-9099 or submit anonymous tips by text to 50411. Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Man Sent Text Saying ‘I Don’t Feel Safe’ Before He Was Found Beaten and Left in Alley
The 35-year-old victim died days after suffering injuries that police say were caused by multiple blunt force trauma.
By Jacob Charles
Published: June 18, 2026 7:17 am ET
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly two weeks after a man was found gravely injured in an alley in Northeast Washington, D.C., investigators have ruled his death a homicide as family members continue searching for answers and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Dalonte Lamont Jackson, 35, died on May 29 after spending several days hospitalized following a violent attack, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Police said Sixth District officers responded around 4:33 p.m. on May 24 to the 3300 block of East Capitol Street Northeast after receiving a report of an unconscious person. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers found Jackson unconscious but still breathing and suffering from severe injuries.
D.C. Fire and EMS transported Jackson to a local hospital, where he remained on life support for several days. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died on May 29, police said.
An autopsy completed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Jackson died from multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The death was officially ruled a homicide on June 3.
Investigators later determined the assault did not occur where Jackson was found. According to police, the attack took place at a residence in the 3600 block of Jay Street Northeast, an area that includes the Paradise at Parkside Apartments.
NBC4 Washington reported that Jackson was discovered in an alley off East Capitol Street, roughly a seven-minute drive from the apartment complex where relatives believe he was attacked.
Jackson’s family told NBC4 they believe he was lured to the apartment before the assault. Family members also pointed to a text message Jackson reportedly sent to a friend shortly before the attack.
“He texts them and he basically said, ‘I don’t feel safe, and if something happens, I am with X, Y’,” Jackson’s aunt, Mottdricka Jackson, told NBC4.
Relatives described the injuries Jackson suffered as devastating. His grandmother, Sharon Jones, told NBC4 that Jackson endured extensive trauma during the attack.
“His skull was crashed, he was stabbed numerous times, his leg and his arm was broken,” Jones said. “Beat to death.”
According to NBC4, family members shared photographs showing significant injuries to Jackson’s face following the assault.
Jackson’s grandmother also expressed anguish over the circumstances surrounding where he was found.
“For them to take his body from this area to East Capitol Street and dump him like waste in the garbage?” Jones told NBC4. “But someone, an angel, appeared there and called 911.”
Family members have publicly questioned whether Jackson may have been targeted because he was gay. However, NBC4 reported that Metropolitan Police told the station there is currently no evidence indicating the killing was motivated by bias.
“There is no evidence to show this was a hate-bias incident,” police said in a statement provided to NBC4.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, identified any suspects, or disclosed a possible motive. WJLA reported that investigators have not said who may be responsible for the killing or what may have led to the attack.
As detectives continue their investigation, Jackson’s family is remembering him for the life he lived rather than the violence that ended it.
According to NBC4, family and friends recently gathered near his home at the Mayfair apartment complex to celebrate his life. Loved ones remembered him as a talented cook, a dedicated worker, and a familiar face in Washington’s coffee community.
“He was known in Chinatown as ‘that coffee man,'” Mottdricka Jackson told NBC4. “He worked for Starbucks and for Peet’s, Capital One Arena, and Starbucks at the Convention Center.”
Even amid their grief, Jackson’s family found a way to help others. NBC4 reported that his organs were donated, saving the lives of four people.
The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone with information about Jackson’s killing to call police at 202-727-9099 or submit anonymous tips by text to 50411. Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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