John Watts, 37, was killed in a mid‑afternoon shooting on Monday, August 17, 2026. The shooting occurred about 2:30 p.m. in the 5000 block of Benning Road SE in Washington, D.C. First responders found Watts with gunshot wounds and he was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Metropolitan Police Department opened a homicide investigation but released few details about what led to the shooting. Investigators did not disclose a motive or say whether they were seeking a specific vehicle or multiple people. The department offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

No arrests or public identifications of suspects have been announced and the case remains active. If anyone has information about John Watts or the shooting, please contact the Metropolitan Police Department by phone or the text tip line.