WASHINGTON - D.C. police report the shooting that killed one woman and injured two others in southeast Friday night was the result of a dispute between two rival neighborhood groups.

"And as a result of the ongoing dispute the individual fired into a crowd and struck these women unintentionally," said D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier (web | news | bio) .

The shooting happened in the 3000 block of Stanton Road around 11:15 p.m. Police say 41-year-old Melody Williams and two nieces were outside their apartment building waiting for Williams' ride to work when the shots rang out.

Police announced late Sunday that they had arrested 27-year-old Kerstan Leonard for Williams' murder. Monday, they canvassed the neighborhood with fliers letting residents know the case was closed. Chief Lanier said neighborhood cooperation was the key to solving this case.

"The quicker we get that shooter off the street the more we can prevent retaliation and unfortunately like in this case, retaliation oftentimes take an innocent victim," Chief Lanier said.

The shooting has stunned the community and police, who have been patrolling in squad cars.

"They said she was standing out here waiting on a ride to go to work [and] somebody just came by shooting," said Antoine Smith, the victim's brother.

Smith, along with others, said they had no idea why the shooting happened.

"Scary ain't the word... It's crazy," said Evelyn Thompson, a neighbor.

Fifteen-year-old Thompson says she first heard the gunfire, then saw Williams fatally wounded on the ground and the other two women suffering from a gunshot wounds to the leg. Then she heard Williams' son crying.

"It hurt me to my heart to see him going through such pain. It's crazy," added Thompson.

The incident has left the community scarred with bullet holes, a blood trail and concerns about safety.

"It's usually quiet. I can't believe it... well I can believe [it] because it's still the hood," said Marceline Settles, a neighbor.

"It doesn't make sense that people can't go to work and feel comfortable while leaving their home," added Karen Hall, a southeast resident.

All victims were transported to a local hospital where Williams was pronounced dead. An autopsy is pending. Williams was a caregiver at a nursing home. She leaves behind two sons and a grieving fiancé.

Police say they are not releasing the identities of the other two victims because they are potential witnesses in the case.

D.C. Council member Marion Barry says he remains concerned about violence in Ward 8, where the shooting occurred. Barry has aimed to spotlight the connection between crime and poverty, and says he wants Mayor Adrian Fenty and Police Chief Cathy Lanier to "look at this most comprehensively."

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