WASHINGTON — D.C. police officers have an arrest warrant for Jasper Spires, who allegedly stabbed another man at the NoMa Gallaudet Metro station on Saturday.
The man — 24-year-old Kevin Joseph Sutherland — died from his injuries. Spires is wanted for first-degree murder while armed.
Police say the incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on a metro train in the NOMA-Gallaudet Metro station in Northeast. When police arrived, they found Sutherland suffering from apparent stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
American University tweeted Sunday night that Sutherland was a graduate of the school.
Sad news to share with our AU community: https://t.co/9Z6fXHo8uh
— American University (@AmericanU) July 6, 2015
Sutherland once interned for U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Connecticut. He tweeted that he was “absolutely heartbroken by the tragic loss of intern, staffer & wonderful friend, Kevin Sutherland. I’ve known few as selfless & decent.”
Sasha Gilthorpe, president of the American University student government, posted on Facebook that “We are heartbroken to learn that the American University and the AUSG community has lost an individual who is emblematic of who we all are, and who we hope to be. Kevin Sutherland was truly the best of us. He was incredibly kind. He was utterly and completely devoted to his friends. He used his intelligence and his talents to champion what he believed in. We are all better for knowing Kevin. Our hearts are with Kevin’s family and friends during this time of immeasurable loss and grief.”
New Blue Interactive, with whom Sutherland was working, posted on Facebook that “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of our dear employee and friend Kevin Sutherland. We are heartbroken to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family during this difficult time.”
Am absolutely heartbroken by the tragic loss of intern, staffer & wonderful friend, Kevin Sutherland. I’ve known few as selfless & decent.
— Jim Himes (@jahimes) July 5, 2015
The Washington Post reports that Spires was arrested Thursday on a charge of robbery using force and violence in Northwest. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, and Spires was released Friday, the day before Sutherland’s death.
Those with information on Spires’ whereabouts should call 202-727-9099. Text anonymous tips to 50411. Rewards of up to $25,000 are given for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The investigation continues.
