A 24-year-old man, arrested Thursday for the alleged murder of a 71-year-old retired Army sergeant, escaped from his D.C. Superior Court holding cell late Friday, officials said. U.S. Marshals say the suspect, James Brewer, otherwise known as "Sticky," is armed and dangerous.
The details of Brewer's escape are murky, though it's possible he switched identification bracelets with a prisoner of a lesser crime and simply left the jail. He was being held without bail for first-degree murder while armed.
"Apprehending Brewer is a top priority," said Deputy U.S. Marshal David Neumann, spokesman for D.C. Superior Court. "With Brewer behind bars, the victims' family will be able to sleep better at night."
Brewer is accused in the shooting death of Solomon Reese of Good Hope Road SE, during an apparent robbery attempt on June 27. He was the oldest of 15 children.
Reese was known as a neighborhood nice guy, helping out other veterans and bringing in extra cash by selling cigarettes from his home, according to The Washington Post.
A reward is being offered for any information leading to Brewer's arrest. Anyone with information should call the U.S. Marshals at 1-800-336-0102.
