October 7, 2019 – Homicide Unit detectives charged a man for the fatal assault of a tow company employee this weekend. The arrested man is 24-year-old Damian Howard of the 5000 block of 4th Street in Northwest Washington, DC. The victim is 41-year-old Tarreak Butler of Washington, DC.
On October 6th, at approximately 1:50 am, patrol officers responded to a towing company in the 5000 block of College Avenue in College Park. When the officers arrived, they saw Howard holding the victim in a choke hold and that the victim was unconscious. Officers ordered Howard to release Butler. Three officers then began to perform CPR on the victim. Butler was pronounced dead at a hospital approximately one hour later.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy. The victim’s death was ruled a homicide due to asphyxia strangulation.
The preliminary investigation reveals Howard attacked Butler over a towing fee.
Howard is charged with second degree murder, assault and related charges. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections and has been held without bond.
If anyone has information relevant to this investigation, they are asked to please call detectives at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)
