The family of Zytina Mason-Brown, a 14-year-old from Washington, D.C., feels a measure of relief following an arrest in her case. Mason-Brown, initially believed to have accidentally shot herself, was found to be a victim of homicide.
Authorities have arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with her death. The suspect was allegedly present in the apartment at the time of the fatal incident.
I’m feeling — I don’t want to say happy because it’s not a joyous occasion, but I’m feeling satisfied that D.C. police did apprehend the suspect,Mason-Brown’s grandmother, Michelle Brown, told FOX5 DC.
Mason-Brown, an eighth grader with dreams of becoming a beautician and real estate agent, was killed on May 21, 2025. The incident took place in an apartment at the Benning Courts Pentacle complex, located on the 1700 block of Benning Road Northeast.
Initially, police described the shooting as an accident, suggesting Mason-Brown had shot herself while filming a video for social media. Her family, however, disputed this account.
Months later, the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner officially classified her death as a homicide in August 2025.
Her aunt Dawna Cooke expressed gratitude towards the police for their efforts, saying, We knew that Zytina did not kill herself. And I really want to thank the Metropolitan Police Department for fighting so hard to come to the conclusion and get the suspect in custody.
Details regarding the 17-year-old suspect’s identity and upcoming court dates remain confidential due to juvenile privacy laws.