Police Identify Gunman Wanted In The Fatal Shooting Of A Toddler 

Friday, July 11, 2025, 6:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is actively searching for the suspect charged in connection with the murder of a 3-year-old girl after she tragically succumbed to injuries on Monday, she sustained during an early Saturday morning shooting in Southeast, D.C.  

     As previously reported, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, just minutes after 3:00 a.m., members of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s First District responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a shooting on the 1000 Block of 14th Street in Southeast, D.C.

Upon Arrival, Police Officers Find Child Shot Inside Car

     Upon arrival, Police Officers located a 3-year-old girl, later identified as Honesty Cheadle, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound to her chest. Honesty was immediately transported by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services to a nearby hospital, where, despite life-saving efforts, Honesty tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased on Monday, July 7, 2025.

     During the initial investigation, Responding Police Officers and Detectives determined that gunfire erupted shortly before 3:00 a.m., with at least one gunman firing recklessly on the street, striking and piercing a parked vehicle where Honesty was seated alongside family members, critically injuring her, which ultimately resulted in her death on Monday.

     “This is a tragedy for Honesty’s family and our entire city, and I express my deepest condolences to her loved ones as they cope with such an unimaginable loss,” said Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith. “Our Detectives are working hard, pursuing several leads, and will do everything in their power to find those responsible for this shooting and bring them to justice.”

Police Identify And Charge Rucker With Murder

     During the ensuing investigation, Detectives were able to identify the shooter as Charles Rucker, 24, of Southeast, D.C., and formally charged him with first-degree Murder While Armed in connection with the shooting death of Honesty. At this time, Rucker currently remains at large and can be seen in the above photos.  

     Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the whereabouts of Rucker is urged to contact the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or text your information to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. All calls and texts will be kept confidential. The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a $25,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Honesty Cheadle.