A 22-year-old pregnant woman was shot while sitting in a car.
The event occurred around 11:20 am Thursday, June 15, on 37th Street SE, in Washington DC when two men armed with assault rifles approached in a white four-door sedan and opened fire on the victim.
The victim, identified as Samya Gill, was eight months pregnant and was in the car with the father of her unborn child. Despite being hit by bullets, he drove to Minnesota Avenue and Dix Street, about a mile from the scene, where they sought help.
Gill, a Fort Washington, Maryland resident, was taken to a hospital, where she gave birth via C-section but later succumbed to her injuries. The newborn, named Zailey, is in critical condition, while the father is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police released surveillance images of the suspects, one wearing a white jacket and hoodie and the other in dark clothing. Authorities indicated the shooting was targeted, but the motive is still unknown. Assistant Chief of Patrol Andre Wright described the attack as occurring in broad daylight.
Gill’s mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said that her daughter was a model and online boutique owner. She said, if the child survives, she will raise her.
DC authorities are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects involved.
This shooting is part of an increase in homicides in Washington, DC, which are up 16% compared to the same period in 2022.