Suspect in Shooting Death of Toddler Arrested and Charged

           WASHINGTON – Charles Rucker, 24, of the District of Columbia, was arrested and charged Saturday with first-degree murder while armed for the July 5 shooting death of a three-year-old girl in Southeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

           Rucker made his initial appearance July 12 before Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt. Judge Brandt found probable cause that Rucker committed the offense and ordered him to be held without bond pending trial. This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative.

           Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department joined in the announcement.

           According to court documents, Rucker fired several shots in the direction of a parked car that H.C. and several other individuals occupied. After the shooting, Rucker attempted to collect and remove evidence from the scene. H.C. was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and succumbed to her injuries on July 7, 2025. 

           This case is being investigated by the Homicide Major Case Section of the Metropolitan Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur.

           Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.