Two men charged in April killings of two boys in D.C.

Federal prosecutors have charged two men with the murders of 12-year-old Mhilo Young and 14-year-old Tyale Coates, who were killed in Northeast Washington in April. Antonio Terry, 18, was arrested on Sunday and faces one count of first-degree murder while armed. Markell Woodings was arrested on Monday and faces two counts of the same charge.

The shootings occurred on the afternoon of April 14, during the spring break period. Young and Coates were standing outside the Circle 7 Express convenience store in the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue NE. They had just purchased food from a nearby truck. Three masked men arrived in a stolen black Honda Accord, exited the vehicle, and opened fire before driving away. Investigators recovered 70 shell casings at the scene. Young was struck by 18 bullets, and Coates was hit by 12.

Police believe the attackers acted in retaliation for the recent death of their friend Dereon Womack. According to court documents, the suspects intended to target individuals from a rival neighborhood. They learned that two boys from that area were at the store and proceeded to shoot. Chief Jeffery Carroll stated that the victims were targeted because of their residential area rather than their individual identities.

Detectives solved the case using video footage, witness accounts, and forensic evidence. DNA found on shell casings helped identify the suspects. Police also located the stolen getaway car burning in Prince George’s County. Charging documents indicate that the men posted images of firearms on social media and discussed the shooting with friends. Carroll noted that community tips and local video provided by residents were instrumental in developing the suspects.

Terry appeared in D.C. Superior Court and was held without bond. His attorney, Todd Baldwin, described the case as in its early stages and urged the public to respect Terry’s presumption of innocence. A court date for Woodings has not yet been announced. The search for a third suspect continues.

The two boys attended KIPP DC Valor Academy, where Coates was an eighth grader and Young was a former student. The school issued a statement this spring describing them as cherished members of the community. Ron Gardner, Young’s football coach, recalled that the boy loved music and smiling. Terra Martin, a community activist, expressed grief over the loss of two young children.

Terry is scheduled to return to court on November 9. Woodings’ next hearing date has not been released. Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active as they continue to seek the remaining suspect.