Police say the victim suffered multiple blunt-force injuries and was found unconscious in an alley before dying days later.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Investigators are searching for the person or people responsible for the death of 35-year-old Dalonte Jackson after he was found critically injured in an alley on May 24 and later died from injuries that authorities ruled a homicide.
Jackson’s death has drawn public attention because of the severe nature of his injuries and because family members say he sent a troubling message to a friend shortly before the attack. The message included that he didn’t feel safe. The Metropolitan Police Department has identified an apartment on Jay Street as the location where the assault occurred and is seeking information that could lead to arrests. Authorities have announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information resulting in an arrest and conviction.
According to police, officers were dispatched at about 4:30 p.m. on May 24 to an area near the 3300 block of East Capitol Street after receiving a report of an unconscious person. Responding officers found Jackson alive but suffering from severe injuries. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where doctors attempted lifesaving treatment. Despite those efforts, Jackson died five days later. A subsequent autopsy determined that he died from multiple blunt-force injuries, and the death was classified as a homicide. Investigators later concluded that the attack occurred at an apartment on the 3600 block of Jay Street before Jackson was moved from that location and left in the alley where he was discovered.
Family members have publicly questioned what occurred during Jackson’s final hours and have expressed frustration that no arrests have been announced. His grandmother, Sharon Jones, said relatives believe someone transported Jackson from the apartment area to East Capitol Street after the attack. She told local television reporters that the family was disturbed by the circumstances under which he was found. Jackson’s aunt, Mottdricka Jackson, said the family learned that he had sent a message to a friend indicating he did not feel safe. According to her account, the message identified people he was with and suggested concern that something might happen to him. Police have not publicly released the contents of any electronic evidence recovered during the investigation, and investigators have not identified a suspect.
The case has generated additional attention because of the extent of the injuries described by relatives after Jackson was hospitalized. Family members shared a photograph showing him receiving medical treatment while wearing a neck brace and connected to medical equipment. Jones described extensive injuries that she said included trauma to his skull and broken bones. Authorities have not publicly released a full forensic report detailing every injury sustained during the attack. What investigators have confirmed is that the medical examiner determined Jackson’s death resulted from multiple blunt-force injuries. Police have also stated that detectives were able to establish a connection between the apartment on Jay Street and the fatal assault, narrowing the focus of the investigation to events that occurred before Jackson was found.
The investigation has also prompted discussion about whether bias may have played a role in the killing. Family members have said they believe Jackson may have been targeted because he was gay. Law enforcement officials, however, have said there is currently no evidence indicating that the homicide qualifies as a hate-bias incident. That distinction remains significant because hate-crime allegations require specific evidence regarding motive. Investigators have not disclosed whether they are reviewing communications, surveillance footage, witness statements, or forensic evidence related to possible motives. As the case remains active, officials have emphasized that they are following available evidence rather than drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete.
Jackson’s death has left relatives and friends searching for answers while detectives continue to piece together a timeline of his final movements. Family members have described him as a loved and valued presence in their lives. In a published obituary, he was remembered as a beloved son who was cherished by those who knew him. Those close to him have continued speaking publicly in hopes of keeping attention on the investigation. Their statements have focused on the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, the transportation of Jackson from the apartment area, and the absence of publicly identified suspects. Investigators, meanwhile, continue to seek witnesses who may have information about activity near the Jay Street apartment or the East Capitol Street location where Jackson was found.
The case remains unsolved. Police continue to investigate the homicide and have asked for information that could identify those responsible. As of Tuesday, no arrests had been announced, and detectives said the investigation remains ongoing while they pursue leads connected to the fatal attack.