A 16-year-old Southeast teen died just 12 hours after he was shot multiple times Monday evening.
Malik Spears was found n the hallway of an apartment building in the 1200 block of Brentwood Road NE at 11:18 p.m.
Officials told News4 the circumstances around his shooting still remain a mystery.
"These gunshots may have been intended for someone else or they may have been intended for him," Lt. Robert Alder with the D.C. Homicide Squad said. "At this point, we're still investigating that motive, the motive is unknown."
The medical examiner will determine an exact cause and manner of death.
Neighbor James Beasley told News4 he had heard Malik had gone to 7-Eleven that evening.
"He was coming back up and some dude was randomly shooting at him," Beasley said. "[Malik] was jumping the fence, trying to flag the police down to say he was hurt."
Others who knew Malik described him as kind-hearted and helpful.
"[He] is a good kid," neighbor Richelle Butler said. "He wasn't disrespectful. He helped me with my groceries. He helped other neighbors being their groceries and take trash out."
His friends are mourning his death and searching for answers.
"I'm just messed up behind it... I want to know what happened to him. Why him?" friend Deanta Johnson said.
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to anyone with information that can lead to an arrest or conviction in his death. If you have any information that can help police, call 202-727-9099.
Photo Credit: Getty Images / Scott Olson