The boyfriend of 36-year-old Erica Harper Peters has been named a suspect in the murder of Peters and her two sons, Eric and Dakota, according to D.C. Police.
Peters and her sons, ages 8 and 10, were found stabbed to death in their Carver Terrace apartment in Northeast late Saturday. Peters' boyfriend and the couple's two-year-old daughter, Ashley, were also found at the scene.
DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier said domestic disputes are "one of the toughest cases for law enforcement to have an impact on." "There are a lot of tough cases and violent crime cases that occur inside a person's home. It's very difficult for us to intervene and have an impact in those," she said.
The boyfriend was taken to the hospital for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Ashley, who is with relatives, was unharmed.
Family members told News4 that Harper Peters, who was hearing impaired, was a loving mother and an active member of the dance ministry at Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church on Rhode Island Avenue. Church members would often see her using sign language during gospel concerts and other events through the church.
A prayer service for Harper Peters and her sons was held today at Mount Calvary.
