night, July 1, near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, according to WWLP. Eric, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was found unconscious and later died in hospital. Two others—a 16-year-old boy and an adult woman—were also struck by gunfire but survived.

A Tragic Case of Being in the Wrong Place

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Eric was not the intended target of the shooting. The area, which sits near several residential and entertainment corridors, has seen increasing gun violence in recent months. Detectives continue to investigate the motive, and no arrests have been made as of this writing.

The MPD is offering a $25,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction. Tipsters are encouraged to call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

Eric’s Aspirations: A Life Dedicated to Public Service

Originally from Granby, Massachusetts, Eric had been spending