Friday, April 22, 2016

Tavon Maurice Patterson: Roses, ribbons, the cross, and a bear in memory; 15th Place SE Washington DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide which occurred in the 3200 block of 15th Place SE, Washington DC, on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at approximately 7:38 pm.              

Members of the Seventh District responded for a shooting call.  While investigating in the area, they located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to an area hospital, where the victim, identified as Tavon Maurice Patterson, 23, later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.



I was alerted to the presence of this shrine to the memory of Mr. Patterson, by my friend and resident of the neighborhood, Craig Byynes. Thank you Craig.

And blessings on the community and the circle of Mr. Patterson's friends and family.



Friday, April 1, 2016

"Wamp in Peace" Memorial for Kenvontae Jones | 800 block of Chesapeake Street SE DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday, November 19, 2015 in the 100 block of Danbury Street SW, Washington DC.

At approximately 4:54 am, members of the Seventh District responded to a call for a shooting.  While investigating, they located an adult male victim unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from gunshot wounds.  DC Fire and EMS members arrived on the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital, where all lifesaving efforts failed.  The decedent has been identified as Kenvontae Jones, 19,  of Southeast DC.

This memorial to Mr. Jones, which is in the 800 block of Chesapeake Street SE, Washington DC,  is within 100 feet of the memorial to Aubrey Dansbury.






May there be peace in the 'hood.

Aubrey Dansbury's memorial in the 800 block of Chesapeake Street SE DC

From a DC police report: On March 17, 2016, Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Branch announced that the victim in an Assault with Intent to Kill offense, which occurred on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at approximately 5:27 pm in the 800 block of Chesapeake Street SE, Washington DC, has succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.  He was identified as Aubrey Dansbury, 27,  of Southeast DC.

On Thursday, March 10, 2016, Anthony Wade, 29, of Southeast DC, was arrested and charged with Assault with Intent to Kill. His charges are now being upgraded to Second Degree Murder While Armed.

There is an excellent article in the Washington Post describing this case, and the wave of troubles that have been plaguing the neighborhood of late.




Legacy shrine, 300 block of Addison Road, Capitol Heights, MD

While searching for a possible memorial to Gilbert Hall III, who, according to a Prince Georges County police report, was slain in the 300 block of Addison Road South in Capitol Heights MD on January 30, 2016. I found this remnant of a previously built and maintained shrine. It may be for Eddie Ross, who lost his life here in 2011. The site adjoins a busy Metro station. There have been several other fatal losses in this block over the years.


Unknown shrine / 600 block of 51st St SE DC

This possible shrine is in the 600 block of 51st St SE, Washington DC. There have been several homicides in this area over the years, but I was unable to ascertain who, if anyone, this colorful structure calls to memory.

Shrine for Adam Edwin Barker, 2700 block Langston Pl SE DC




I visited this site again in June, searching for a possible memorial to another person who was recently slain in this block. Mr. Barker's memorial was still extant, with some additional items.



From a DC police report:  Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced an arrest was made in a fatal shooting that occurred in the 2700 block of Langston Place SE, Washington DC, on Monday, February 29, 2016. At approximately 4:19 pm, members of the Seventh District heard the sounds of gunshots and responded to the location. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. On Tuesday, March 1, 2016, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.  The victim was identified as Adam Edwin Barker, 21. On Friday, March 18, 2016, Paul Swann, 24, was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed.

This memorial to Mr. Barker is in the Woodland Terrace neighborhood of DC. Peace, seriously, peace.




The shrine was still being maintained as of March 28, 2017.