DISTRICT BRIEFING

ACCIDENTAL DEATH

Museum Window Washer Falls Four Stories

A man who was washing windows outside the National Museum of the American Indian fell four stories to his death yesterday morning, authorities said.

The worker fell about 60 feet when the cable that was holding him broke loose, officials said. The accident took place about 10 a.m. at the museum, at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW, said Alan Etter, spokesman for the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. Authorities did not release the identity of the man, who was said to be in his early 30s.

-- Allison Klein

FIVE DEAD IN FOUR DAYS

Man Shot to Death in 5th Police District

A man was killed in Northeast Washington last night, the fifth person to die in the 5th Police District in four days. Assistant Police Chief Al Durham said the man, who had not been identified, was getting into his car in the 2800 block of 12th Street NE when he was shot several times.

He said officers were in the area and heard the gunshots, and several residents also called to report the shooting.

The victim was shot at close range, officials said. They said he still had his car keys in his hand and also had a bottle of water and a muffin. The car was a leased car with Maryland license plates.

Meanwhile, D.C. police identified two people who were killed Wednesday in the same police district. They were found blocks apart in the Trinidad section.

Authorities said Tonette Gail Ferguson, 38, died from apparent blunt-force trauma to the head. Her body was found in an alley in the 1600 block of Montello Avenue about 8 a.m. by a man on his way to work.