- The Washington Times - Sunday, October 30, 2011

A D.C. man with a lengthy criminal record was arrested over the weekend and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the slaying of a Howard University freshman, police said.

William Knight, 20, of the 800 block of Kennedy Street Northeast was arrested in the shooting of 24-year-old Alonzo James Guyton, according to Prince George’s County Police.

Police served Mr. Knight with the arrest warrant at the D.C. jail where he was being held for an unrelated charge. His record includes charges of carjacking and armed robberies.

The slaying occurred Tuesday when Guyton was shot multiple times outside an apartment building in the 4200 block of Kaywood Drive in Mount Rainier, northeast of the District.

Prince George’s Police Capt. Joe Hoffman said a handprint lifted from a blue van witnesses reported seeing at the crime scene was used to link Mr. Knight to the homicide.

The stolen van was involved in an accident after the shooting. Officers also found a handgun inside the van during a search of the vehicle.

Guyton, a Marine Corps veteran, was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officials would not confirm reports that investigators are looking for additional suspects, but earlier statements suggest that because Guyton was found without a wallet or identification, the shooting could have been the result of a botched robbery.

Since the shooting, there’s been an outpouring of support and mourning for the young man, including multiple vigils such as one late last week at Lulu Vere Childers Hall on the Howard campus.

According to a Facebook post, organizers encouraged attendees to wear anything but black.

“We are not mourning the loss of our friend but instead celebrating his life,” the post stated.

This story is based in part on wire reports.

• Meredith Somers can be reached at msomers@washingtontimes.com.

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