D.C. police investigating fatal stabbing

Washington, D.C., police are investigating the fatal stabbing of a transgender woman in northeast Washington.

Police say an officer was flagged down and directed to a bus stop in the 4900 block of East Capitol Street where the woman was unconscious and suffering from a stab wound. The woman, 23-year-old Deoni Jones of Washington, was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead early Feb. 3.

Police are providing a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

A black-and-white video released by police shows a “person of interest” in the case. The video, posted on homicidewatch.org, shows a bearded man with a medium complexion, about 30 to 40 years old, wearing a black jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He is seen walking across a street toward a bus stop.

A vigil took place on Feb. 7 with more than 200 people in attendance, including family, friends and anti-violence advocates. Jones’ stepfather, Alvin Bethea, urged witnesses to come forward.

Earlier in the week, the D.C. Trans Coalition reported that at least one other person was at the scene and chased after Jones' assailant until he realized the seriousness of Jones' injury.

Jones’ funeral was set for Feb. 11.

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