Another Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting of Former Morgan State Basketball Player

Frank Johnson Jr. charged with first-degree murder in 2023 nightclub shooting that killed Blake Bozeman

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Metropolitan Police have made another arrest in connection with the 2023 shooting outside a Northeast Washington nightclub that killed former Morgan State University basketball star Blake Bozeman and injured three others. Frank Johnson Jr., 43, of Camp Springs was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Why it matters

This case continues to shed light on the ongoing gun violence issues in the District of Columbia, as well as the broader challenges of preventing and prosecuting such crimes. Bozeman's death was a tragic loss for the Morgan State community and raises questions about public safety measures around nightlife establishments.

The details

Johnson's arrest follows the earlier apprehension of Cotey Wynn, 44, of Northeast Washington, who was also charged with the same offense. Court records show that Antwan Shelton, one of the first two people arrested in the murder case, was exonerated in April. The shooting occurred just before midnight on Sept. 23, 2023, at the Cru nightclub in the 1300 block of H Street, NE, where three men and a woman were found suffering from gunshot wounds. Bozeman, 31, of Southeast Washington, was pronounced dead at the scene.

  • The shooting occurred just before midnight on Sept. 23, 2023.
  • Cotey Wynn was taken into custody on March 11, 2026 and charged with the same offense.
  • Antwan Shelton was exonerated in April 2026.

The players

Frank Johnson Jr.

A 43-year-old resident of Camp Springs who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the 2023 nightclub shooting.

Cotey Wynn

A 44-year-old resident of Northeast Washington who was previously arrested and charged with the same offense as Johnson.

Antwan Shelton

One of the first two people arrested in the murder case, but was later exonerated in April 2026.

Blake Bozeman

A 31-year-old former basketball standout at Morgan State University who was killed in the 2023 nightclub shooting.

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What they’re saying

“I was not at the scene the night of the mass shooting and I'm working to get my life back in order.”

— Antwan Shelton (FOX 5)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Frank Johnson Jr. out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence in the District of Columbia, as well as the complexities of prosecuting such crimes and ensuring justice for victims like Blake Bozeman. It also raises questions about public safety measures around nightlife establishments and the role of violence intervention programs.