Photo by Philliefan99

Photo by Philliefan99

Police investigating the shooting death of a man who was found in a parked car on Capitol Hill early Monday morning believe it might have stemmed from a random robbery attempt. Jason Anthony Emma, 28, was found dead shortly after 2 a.m. on the 1200 block of C Street NE, slumped over the steering wheel of his black Audi.

The Washington Post reports that Emma’s car was running when a 911 call reported the sounds of gunfire. He had just parked the vehicle after coming back from a night out with some friends.

The notion that Emma’s death could have been the end result of an attempted robbery has some recalling the story a man who was found badly beaten near Eastern Market one evening in August while walking home. Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), who represents the area, told the Post as much:

Wells said residents of Capitol Hill are asking pointed questions about crime in their neighborhood, where recent attacks have caused concerns.

Wells noted the robbery and beating of Thomas Maslin, who was attacked in August on his way home from a bar on Pennsylvania Avenue. That incident led bars in the area to warn patrons about walking home after closing. Police have made arrests in that case.

The Metropolitan Police Department said earlier this week it is looking for two suspects in Emma’s death, both described as black males about six feet tall and with heavy builds. Officer Aziz Alali, an MPD spokesman, tells DCist today officers are still working off that description.