Honesty Cheadle Obituary, Death; – A D.C. family is mourning the unimaginable loss of 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle, whose life was taken over the Fourth of July weekend. Now, they are asking for the community’s help in laying their little girl to rest.
According to police, Honesty was sitting in a parked car with her family near 14th Street SE around 3 a.m. on July 5 after watching fireworks. That’s when gunfire erupted. A shooter opened fire in the area, striking the vehicle and hitting Honesty in the head. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and placed on life support. Despite the doctors’ best efforts Honesty passed away on July 7.
Tamika described Honesty as a joyful, energetic little girl who loved swimming, gymnastics, ice cream and long days at the playground. “She was the type of baby that you knew you could love unconditionally,” Tamika said through tears during an interview with WUSA9. “The light is gone… She was the baby on both sides of our family.”
Police have since identified a suspect, 24-year-old Charles Rucker of Southeast D.C., who is now wanted for first-degree murder while armed. Authorities released photos of Rucker on July 10 and are urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to his arrest. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered.
The shooting, which happened in the presence of Honesty’s loved ones, has left the family not only devastated but deeply shaken. “My sister is in her 70s. That baby used to lay in bed with her,” Honesty’s great-uncle Raymond Cheadle said. “She didn’t deserve to get hit. That child didn’t bother nobody.”
Tamika echoed that pain with a message to the person responsible: “Please turn yourself in… Her blood is on your hands and your hands alone.” As the family fights for justice, they are also preparing to say goodbye to a little girl who brought so much love and light into their lives in just three short years.
“If you are unable to donate, please share this page and keep Honesty and our family in your prayers,” Tamika wrote. “Rest in paradise, sweet Honesty. You will never be forgotten.” To donate or share the campaign, visit her GoFundMe here.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to contact police at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.
