Four Dead in Overnight Shootings

Four people were slain in a five-hour period last night and early this morning in the District, authorities said. The killings do not appear to be related.

The first slaying occurred about 11:10 p.m. when a 17-year-old was shot at 14th and Chapin streets NW, police said. Investigators had no suspects and did not release the victim's name because they had not yet notified his relatives.

About 30 minutes later, a 55-year-old man was shot to death after an argument in the 4600 block of Blaine Street NE. Police identified him as Gregory Foster. They have made no arrests in that case.

The third killing occurred about 1:30 a.m. in what police described as a botched robbery attempt in the 2000 block of Savannah Terrace SE. A transgender person and a friend were walking in the block when they were approached by at least two men in a dark car. The men demanded money and then one of them opened fire with a handgun, police said.

The transgender person, identified as Elexius Woodland, 24, died after being wounded in the face and stomach. The other victim was wounded in the arm and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital, police said.

Police said they had no evidence that the attack against Woodland was a hate crime. There will be a candlelight vigil for Woodland at 6 p.m. today in the 1900 block of Savannah Terrace SE, police said.

Three hours after Woodland was slain, an unidentified man was found shot to death in the 1200 block of Eaton Road SE, police said. Investigators said they have no suspects in the shooting.

Police urged anyone with information about the homicides to call police at 202-727-9099. Police offer rewards of up to $25,000 for information in homicides.