DC charges two men in spring shooting that killed 12 and 14-year-old boys

Mhilo Young, 12, and Tyale Coates, 14, lost their lives in a shooting in Northeast D.C. this spring. Their deaths prompted a months-long investigation that concluded with the arrest of two men this week. Prosecutors charged the suspects with murder, alleging they targeted the boys because of their neighborhood affiliation rather than their identities.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of April 14. Young and Coates were outside a convenience store in the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue NE. They had just purchased French fries and juice from a food truck. Court documents state that three masked males arrived in a black, stolen Honda Accord. The group exited the vehicle, sprayed the area with bullets, and fled. Investigators recovered 70 shell casings at the scene. Young sustained 18 gunshot wounds, while Coates was shot 12 times.

Detectives linked the shooting to a rivalry between two neighborhoods. The suspects allegedly sought retaliation for the killing of their friend, Dereon Womack, which occurred days earlier. Witnesses told police the shooters wanted to target individuals from a rival area. When the gunmen learned that two boys from that neighborhood were at the Circle 7 Express store, they drove there in the stolen vehicle. Chief Jeffery Carroll said the victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The case required an extensive investigation before authorities felt confident filing charges. Police used video footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to connect the suspects to the crime. DNA found on some of the shell casings helped identify the shooters. The suspects had posted pictures of guns on social media and allegedly bragged about the killings to friends, according to charging documents. Police located the stolen getaway car in Prince George’s County, where it had been set on fire.

Antonio Terry, 18, was arrested on Sunday. The U.S. Attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro, announced that he was charged with first-degree murder while armed. He appeared in D.C. Superior Court and was ordered held without bond. A second suspect, Markell Woodings, was arrested on Monday. The interim police chief confirmed that Woodings was charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed.

Both victims attended KIPP DC Valor Academy. Coates was an eighth grader at the time of the shooting. Young was a former student at the school. The school said the students were cherished members of the family and that their loss is profoundly felt by the community. Ron Gardner, Young’s football coach, described him as a great kid who loved music, football, and smiling. Gardner said Young is truly missed by his family, teammates, and anyone who knew him.

Community members expressed heartbreak and anger following the news. Terra Martin, a community activist, noted that the victims were very young. Chief Carroll credited the community for providing tips, video, and pictures that helped develop the suspects. He emphasized that the information coming from residents along Route 295 was instrumental in the investigation.

Terry is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 9. His attorney, Todd Baldwin, stated that the case is very early in the investigation. Baldwin urged the public to respect the presumption of innocence and allow the justice system to proceed. Information regarding Woodings’ court date was not immediately released. Police continue to search for a third suspect.

The arrests mark a major step in a case that drew national attention. The two boys were killed while enjoying a simple afternoon out. Their families and the KIPP DC community remain united in honoring their memories. The investigation highlights the impact of neighborhood disputes on innocent lives. The legal process is now underway for the two charged suspects.