Shooting Claims Man in Clinton

"I had words with the lady," she said in an interview.

The two women argued for several minutes before a man known by many in the neighborhood as "Mr. T" jumped into the fray and began threatening the mother of the 11-year-old, witnesses said.

Morris, who was known as a fix-it man who would go to anybody's aid, emerged to see what was going on, neighbors said.

"He wasn't doing anything. He was breaking it up," said a 13-year-old boy who witnessed the fight.

The confrontation grew heated, and several neighbors called police. Officers arrived about 5:30 p.m. and learned that "Mr. T" was wanted on several charges and arrested him, according to the source and witnesses. Police did not release the man's name yesterday, and it was unclear whether he was related to the children.

About 7:30 p.m., several men in a vehicle with D.C. license plates drove up to the building, witnesses and the source said. With guns drawn, witnesses said, the men began shouting: "Who called the police? Who called the police?"

Hearing the commotion, Morris again emerged from his apartment. This time, he was confronted by the men, neighbors said. A scuffle ensued. One man punched Morris in the stomach. Another drew a gun, shooting Morris in the head at nearly point-blank range, witnesses and the source said.

Neighbors scattered into a nearby patch of trees as several shots rang out. After the men fled in the vehicle, the mother of the 11-year-old found Morris lying on the ground.

"He was breathing," she said. "His chest was rising and falling. I held his hand. Blood was everywhere."

Morris was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital, police said.

Morris worked for Carytown Seafood at the commissary at Andrews Air Force Base, said David Whitney, general manager of the Richmond-based company. Attempts to reach Morris's family in Virginia were unsuccessful yesterday.