FORT WASHINGTON, MD — Two 16-year-old boys were shot and killed in Fort Washington during what police believe was a drug-related encounter involving a stolen vehicle. A 27-year-old man is now in custody and facing multiple murder charges.
Teen Victims Identified
According to the Prince George’s County Police Department, the victims have been identified as Thomas Smith Jr., 16, of Washington, D.C., and Michael Bassett, 16, of Temple Hills. Both teens were discovered with gunshot wounds near an apartment complex on Haras Place in Fort Washington on the night of Tuesday, May 27.
Officers in the area responded around 9:35 p.m. after hearing gunfire. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Bassett was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Police said a third teen was also fired at during the incident but was not struck.
Suspect Arrested After Chase
Shortly after the shooting, officers spotted a suspicious SUV fleeing the area. A pursuit began and crossed into Washington, D.C., where the suspect — identified as Duan Goddard, 27, of Fort Washington — was eventually apprehended.
Investigators later confirmed that the SUV had been carjacked four days earlier, on May 23, along St. Barnabas Road in Oxon Hill. Police say the teens arrived at the scene in the stolen vehicle.
Motive Tied to Drug Activity, Police Say
Detectives believe the shooting occurred during a “potential illegal drug deal.” Multiple firearms were recovered at the scene, though authorities have not said who the guns belonged to or whether the teens were armed.
Goddard is now charged with first- and second-degree murder, as well as several related charges. He remains in custody in Washington, D.C., and is awaiting extradition to Maryland.
Ongoing Investigation
Prince George’s County Police continue to investigate the events that led up to the deadly encounter, including the origins of the stolen SUV and whether other individuals were involved in the suspected drug transaction.
Authorities have not released further details about how Goddard and the teens came into contact or if the parties knew each other prior to the meeting.
Community Reacts to Teen Deaths
The fatal shooting of two 16-year-olds has shocked residents in both Prince George’s County and the D.C. area, where both victims were from. Community leaders and law enforcement officials are calling for renewed efforts to combat youth violence, illegal firearms, and drug activity that increasingly involve teenagers.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Prince George’s County Crime Solvers tip line or submit anonymous tips online.
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