Jacquise Zanders Obituary, Death: Victim ID’d in Benning Road restaurant double shooting

Jacquise Zanders Obituary, Death – A young man lost his life Tuesday afternoon during a violent incident inside a restaurant on Benning Road in Southeast Washington, D.C. Police have now identified the victim as 21-year-old Jacquise Zanders, a resident of Southeast D.C. The fatal shooting also left a second man injured and is under active investigation by local authorities.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting occurred on May 13, 2025, shortly after 5 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE, following reports of gunfire inside a local restaurant. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds.

Emergency medical teams responded quickly and attempted life-saving measures on both individuals. Despite their efforts, Zanders was pronounced dead at the scene. The second man, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries that police say are not life-threatening.

The details surrounding what triggered the shooting remain unclear. Investigators are working diligently to determine what led to the gunfire in the busy Southeast D.C. neighborhood. It is not yet known whether the shooting was targeted, related to a dispute, or the result of another motive.

Authorities have not released any information about a possible suspect, nor have they indicated whether surveillance footage or witness statements have yielded leads. The investigation remains open, and police are urging anyone who may have been in the area or who has knowledge of the incident to come forward.

In an effort to encourage the public to share any helpful information, the Metropolitan Police Department has announced a reward of up to $25,000. This reward is being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the deadly shooting.

Community members can reach police directly by calling 202-727-9099. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, tips can also be sent via text message to 50411. Authorities stress that even small details can be critical to solving the case.

The tragic death of Jacquise Zanders has added to the ongoing concerns about public safety and gun violence in the District. The shooting, taking place inside a restaurant during the early evening, has left many in the community shaken. It underscores the urgency for continued efforts to reduce violence and improve safety in local neighborhoods.

While Zanders’ background has not been detailed by authorities, his death has already sparked grief among friends, family, and residents of Southeast D.C. Those who knew him are left mourning a life cut short far too soon. His identity as a 21-year-old adds to the mounting toll of young lives lost to gun violence in the region.

Incidents like this are particularly alarming given their occurrence in public spaces. Shootings in businesses or other community areas tend to heighten fear and concern among residents, who often feel vulnerable even in everyday settings. For many, the notion that such violence could erupt in a restaurant during regular hours is deeply disturbing.

City leaders, activists, and community members continue to press for action to combat the surge of gun-related incidents in Washington, D.C. Measures often discussed include increased investments in violence prevention programs, community policing, mental health resources, and stricter enforcement of gun laws.

In response to recent shootings, including this one, local organizations have reiterated calls for conflict resolution strategies and stronger community engagement. Many believe that preventing future tragedies will require not only law enforcement efforts but also a broader focus on youth development, job creation, and education in underserved communities.

The ongoing investigation into Zanders’ death remains a top priority for the Metropolitan Police Department. Detectives are combing through evidence and seeking to build a timeline of events to identify those involved. They are also reviewing possible surveillance footage from the area, including cameras located both inside and outside the restaurant.

So far, police have not disclosed whether the two men involved in the shooting knew each other, whether there was an exchange of words prior to the incident, or if any weapons have been recovered. As more information becomes available, updates are expected from officials.

In the meantime, the public’s cooperation is considered crucial. Investigators hope that those who may have witnessed the shooting or seen suspicious activity in the area will step forward to aid in the investigation. Police emphasize that anonymous tips are welcomed and can play a vital role in bringing justice to victims and their families.

For now, Southeast D.C. residents are left grappling with another act of violence in their community. As tributes for Jacquise Zanders begin to surface and his loved ones plan for his funeral, city officials are reminded of the urgent need to address the root causes of violence and find ways to protect the city’s youth from becoming future victims.

The Metropolitan Police Department remains committed to solving the case and encourages anyone with knowledge of the incident to speak out. Justice for Jacquise Zanders will depend not only on the work of detectives but also on the support and cooperation of the community at large.