Missing Child Alert: 2-Year-Old Royce Hawkins Sought After Mother Fatally Shot in Northwest D.C.
Authorities are urgently searching for a missing toddler after a deadly shooting in Northwest Washington, D.C., late Tuesday night. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has issued a public appeal for help in locating 2-year-old Royce Hawkins, who has not been seen since his mother was killed.
According to police, the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, at approximately 10:52 p.m. Officers from the Fourth District responded to reports of gunfire in the 600 block of Kenyon Street Northwest. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult female in a rear alley, unconscious and not breathing, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders from DC Fire and EMS attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
In a concerning development, the victim’s young child, identified as Royce Hawkins, has been missing since the time of the shooting. Authorities have not confirmed whether the child was taken or wandered off, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
The Metropolitan Police Department is urging anyone with information about Royce Hawkins to immediately call 911. Individuals with details about the shooting are encouraged to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or submit anonymous tips via the department’s text line at 50411.
Officials are also offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the homicide.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation as authorities continue their urgent search for the missing child.