Police chief Cathy Lanier (web|news|bio) says the shootings have been linked to five suspects who opened fire at random in the neighborhood in retaliation against another group, killing 13-year-old Alonzo Robinson.

On Tuesday, police arrested 18-year-old Antonio McAllister and charged him with first degree murder. Nineteen-year-old Joshua Benton was also arrested and charged with the young boys murder. Both were arraigned Wednesday in D.C. Superior Court.

During those multiple drive by shootings, seven people were targeted and five of those were shot. Robinson, however, was the only victim to die from his injuries. Trinidad was plagued by violence over the summer, prompting police to set up checkpoints in which motorists were stopped and asked why they were in the area.

Police say one of the suspects was arrested several weeks ago and is cooperating in the case.  Police say a fourth suspect is jailed in Prince George's County in an unrelated case, and a fifth suspect has not been identified. 

MPD detectives say the community has helped in capturing the men by sharing information. The MPD currently has a 67% homicide closure rate and say there have been 172 murders this year, compared to 174 the same time in 2007.

Email To A Friend