A tragic incident occurred in Southeast D.C. when two stolen cars collided, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old boy named Kavonte Whatley. The drivers of the stolen Hyundai Elantras were speeding on Southern Avenue SE, near the D.C.-Maryland line, around 12:15 a.m. on September 14. Both drivers veered into oncoming traffic and crashed into each other, causing one car to hit a tree.
Following the collision, everyone in the cars fled the scene except for Whatley, who sustained life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a hospital but tragically passed away six days later. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the crash to determine who stole the cars and who was driving at the time.
It is worth noting that motor vehicle thefts in the area have decreased by 32% this year compared to the previous year, with carjackings down by 49%. Shockingly, 58% of those arrested for carjacking this year are juveniles.
If you have any information related to this incident, please reach out to the police. Stay tuned to NBC Washington for further updates on this developing story.