Alexandria Teen Dies In DC Shooting, Fundraiser Started

WASHINGTON, DC — An Alexandria teen was the victim of a Feb. 8 shooting in southeast DC, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

DeShaun Francis, 16, of Alexandria, died of his injuries Friday after the shooting days earlier on Tuesday, Feb. 8. Around 8:09 p.m., police had responded to the unit block of Chesapeake Street Southeast for a shooting. Police found the juvenile victim with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle. The juvenile was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police identified Francis as the victim after he was pronounced dead Friday.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was started to cover the costs of the funeral. According to the GoFundMe, Francis leaves behind parents, four siblings, three cousins and other relatives. He had goals such as graduating high school and pursuing college football, music and entrepreneurship.

"We are greatly devastated by his untimely death and were nowhere near prepared for such expenses," the GoFundMe page stated. "We want to give DeShaun the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes."

In a message to families, Alexandria City High School Principal Peter Balas confirmed Francis was a class of 2023 student.

"On behalf of the entire Titan staff, I would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to DeShaun’s family and loved ones," Balas said. "These times are never easy and it is important that we all support each other and our Titans."

Balas said the school district's Department of Student Services and Equity would provide support through the week of Feb. 14 in light of the news. Students may also contact a school counselor or administrator, and CrisisLink is available as a resource 24/7 at 703-527-4077 or by texting CONNECT to 85511.