Arrest Made in Christmas Day Shooting

Motive still unknown

A 20-year-old man has been arrested Sunday in the shooting death of Miguel A. Romero on Christmas Day.

Police said they arrested Marlo Antonio Garcias of the 1300 block of Newton Street NW at 10:30 a.m. today and charged him with murder in connection with Romero's death.

Two other victims in the shooting, a 24-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman -- whose names are being withheld because they are witnesses in the case -- were brought to the hospital in critical but stable condition, according to police.

The triple shooting occured shortly before 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25 at 5401 4th Street NW. The 21-year-old Romero, of Upper Marlboro, was pronounced dead on the scene. 

Police said the shooting happened after a verbal altercation at a party at the 4th Street house, but a motive for the killing is still unknown.

Neighbors, meanwhile, have complained that the home was used as a rooming house, with several people coming in and out and partying.

"One night over three months ago, they got into a fight over there.. I saw one of them literally pick another one up and throw him in a trash can," recalled neighbor Howard Johnson.

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Another neighbor was surprised that it happened on what should have been a special day.

"It's very sad on Christmas Day when we should be kind to each other, and blessing the Lord and giving him thanks for all he's given us," William Phillips told NBC4. "[I'm] sorry to hear that someone died.. [and] that this happened."

The incident also made residents worry about the future on 4th Street.

"I hope this is not a sign of things to come in this neighborhood." Johnson said.

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