RIP Rickisha Waller-Henderson | Unit block of 54th Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 23, 2021, in the Unit block of 54th Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 1:26 am, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located an unconscious and unresponsive adult female victim, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 38 year-old Rickisha Waller-Henderson, of no fixed address.

May she rest in peace.

To the life of Raychelle Freeman | Memorial, 1100 block of Eastern Avenue NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sunday, December 5, 2021, in the 1100 block of Eastern Avenue NE, Washington, DC. At approximately 2:00 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for report of the sound of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female victim, inside of a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and determined that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 24 year-old Raychelle Freeman, of Northeast DC. 

I spoke with Ms. Freeman's mother at this memorial site.  Very sad & touching. She thanked me for what I am doing. She was clearly in a quiet dignified grief. She said her daughter's loss has left her two children motherless. I wish them, and their whole family, every solace and healing, in peace and justice.

In memory of the life of Larelle Washington | 1700 block of Capitol Avenue NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, December 3, 2021, in the 1700 block of Capitol Avenue NE, Washington DC. At approximately 3:42 pm, members of the Fifth District responded to the listed location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located a juvenile male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital in grave condition. On Monday, December 6, 2021, the victim succumbed to their injuries. The decedent has been identified as 17 year-old Larelle Washington, of Northeast DC.

By all accounts, young Mr. Washington was an outstanding individual, with a bright future of achievement ahead of him. There is a very moving account of his life and tragic death in the Washington Post.

May his memory ever be for a blessing.

In memory and honor of Derico Justice Miles | 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 6, 2021, in the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road NE, Washington, DC.  At approximately 11:25 pm, members of the Fifth District responded to the listed location for report of the sound of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and determined that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 21 year-old Derico Justice Miles, of Southeast, DC.

I spoke with some of Mr. Miles' friends at this shrine site. They spoke eloquently of their hope to honor his life, and the sad impact violence has on both individuals and a community. A candlelight vigil was being planned to memorialize his life, and perhaps create a mural in a nearby location, also.

 

In memory of Deandre Hunter | 3000 block 30th Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sunday, November 28, 2021, in the 3000 block of 30th Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 6:29 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 28 year-old Deandre Hunter, of Southeast DC. 

- Sadly, there are four additional street shrines currently visible in this short block, all for homicide victims. May this community and their loved ones be spared further grief.

Shrine for David Williams | 2000 block of Bruce Place SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sunday, November 14, 2021, in the 2000 block of Bruce Place SE, Washington DC. At approximately 4:49 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the 2000 block of Alabama Avenue SE, for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members canvassed the area and located two adult male victims in the 2000 block of Bruce Place, Southeast, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victims to area hospitals. After all life-saving efforts failed, one of the victims succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 52 year-old David Williams, of Southeast DC.

Peace, peace, peace.

RIP Dameon Yates | Street memorial, 1600 block of R Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announce an arrest has been made in a homicide that occurred on Monday, November 8, 2021, in the 1600 block of R Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:20 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, members located an adult male victim, unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from apparent lacerations. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 41 year-old Dameon Yates, of Southeast DC. On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, a 16 year-old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed (Knife).

This street memorial is just a short distance from Anacostia High School. 

Peace and justice to all concerned.

Memorial for Chanae McLaughlin | Unit block of Florida Avenue NW DC

 

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, November 12, 2021, in the Unit block of Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC. At approximately 4:44 pm, members of the Third District were flagged down in reference to an assault. Upon arrival, members located an adult female victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to local hospital for treatment of their injuries, where despite all life-saving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 35 year-old Chanae McLaughlin, of no fixed address.  

Peaceto her family, and to her community.

Antwonne Turner's shrine | 100 Block of Taussig Place NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, November 5, 2021, in the 100 Block of Taussig Place NE, Washington, DC. At approximately 9:00 pm, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The victim remained on the scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The decedent has been identified as 32 year-old Antwonne Turner, of Fort Washington, Maryland. 

Shrine at the site of a triple homicide: Donnetta Dyson, Keenan Braxton, and Johnny Joyner | 600 block of Longfellow Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch seek the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the suspect vehicle in a homicide offense that occurred on Saturday, September 4, 2021, in the 600 block of Longfellow Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 7:33 pm, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported three adult male victims to area hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. After finding no signs consistent with life, three additional victims, two adult males and one adult female, were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The decedents have been identified as 31 year-old Donnetta Dyson, of Northeast DC, 24 year-old Keenan Braxton, of Northwest DC, and 37 year-old Johnny Joyner, of Northeast DC.

May Ms. Dyson, Mr. Braxton, and Mr. Joyner ever rest in peace, and their friends, community, and family be spared further grief.

Street memorial - 100 block Kennedy Street NW DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, September 10, 2021, in the 100 block of Kennedy Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 9:41 pm, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located an adult male, inside of a vehicle, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital, where despite all life-saving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 31 year-old Delonte Hazel, of Chillum, Maryland. 

I am somewhat uncertain as to who this shrine memorializes, as there is another recent street memorial in the same block from just a few months ago. I believe this shrine is for Mr. Hazel. Any information is welcome.

I wish the citizens of the area safety, justice, and peace.

Bruce Scott's memorial | 3500 block of Clay Place NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sunday, August 29, 2021, in the 3500 block of Clay Place NE, Washington DC. At approximately 4:11 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the area of the listed location for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, members located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 37 year-old Bruce Scott, of Southeast DC.

Rest In Peace.

In memory of Brian Villataro | 1300 block of Nicholson Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, September 18, 2021, in the 1300 block of Nicholson Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 9:12 pm, members of the Fourth District were alerted to a shooting victim at the listed location. Upon arrival, members located a juvenile male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 17 year-old Brian Villataro, of Northwest DC. 

May his family be spared further sorrow. RIP.

Street memorial for Garry Stanley, Sr. | 1300 block of Half Street SW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 2, 2021, in the 1300 block of Half Street SW, Washington DC. At approximately 11:08 pm, members of the First District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located two adult males and an adult female suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported one adult female to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. One adult male was treated on the scene for minor injuries. The third victim, an adult male, displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 44 year-old Garry Stanley, Sr., of Fort Washington, MD. 

RIP.

Shrine for Michael Pate and Djuan Proctor | Double homicide - 2200 block of Savannah Terrace SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, September 18, 2021, in the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace SE, Washington DC. At approximately 11:36 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, members located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The victim remained on scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. A second adult male was located at a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds.  Despite all life-saving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedents have been identified as 31 year-old Michael Pate and 28 year-old Djuan Proctor, both of Northeast DC. 

May they rest in peace, and this community know peace.

Memorial at the site of a double homicide: Michael Rodney Jackson Jr. and unidentified victim | 4100 block of Suitland Road, Suitland MD

From a Prince Georges Police report: Detectives with the Homicide Unit are working to arrest the suspect(s) who shot and killed two men Thursday night in Suitland, Maryland. On September 2, 2021, at approximately 11:30 pm, patrol officers responded to the 4100 block of Suitland Road, in Suitland for the report of a shooting. Once on scene, officers located the victims inside of their apartment suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They were both pronounced deceased on the scene. 32-year-old Michael Rodney Jackson Jr. of Suitland has been identified as one of the decedents in this case. The second victim has not yet been identified pending next of kin notification. 

This memorial is along busy Suitland Road, near the US Census Bureau headquarters.

Peace.

Poetry memorial for Michael Stroops | 4200 block of Kansas Avenue NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 9, 2021, in the 4200 block of Kansas Avenue NW, Washington DC.  At approximately 8:00 am, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, members located an adult male victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as, 32 year-old Michael Stroops, of no fixed address.

This small and touching memorial is on the steps of a DC Public Library. The note left there reads: 

"Ward 4 neighbors pausing in memorial together, in hopes that Michel Stroops will not pass needlessly.  

'Not another person. 

No more people lost

in silence to housing neglect.'"

Descansa en Paz. Shrine for Marvin Alexander Mendoza | 2000 block of Blueridge Avenue, Wheaton MD

From a Montgomery County Police report:  Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division have identified the victim in yesterday’s Wheaton area homicide as 25-year-old Marvin Alexander Mendoza. There is not a confirmed address for Mendoza.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled Mendoza's manner of death as homicide by multiple gunshot wounds. At this time, investigators believe this to be an isolated incident. 

 On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at approximately 8:56 a.m., the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call for a shooting in the 2000 block of Blueridge Avenue. 4th District officers responded and located, Mendoza deceased.  

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 19-year-old Erik Aguilar of Silver Spring with the first-degree murder of Marvin Alexander Mendoza. Through investigation, detectives from the Major Crimes Division identified Aguilar as a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant for first-degree murder. Aguilar was arrested Thursday, August 12, 2021 in Montgomery County on the strength of a criminal warrant for first-degree murder. Aguilar is being held without bond. 

This memorial to Mr. Mendoza is at the edge of a park in a quiet neighborhood in Wheaton, Maryland. May he rest in peace.

Mural for Nyiah Courtney | 2900 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE DC

Nyiah Courtney, a six year old girl, was murdered on July 16, 2021, in a drive-by shooting. A mural in her memory has been painted at the site of her passing, in the 2900 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, Washington DC. It is alongside extensive collections of street memorials erected by friends, family, and concerned citizens.

Peace peace peace.

Pray and work for an end to violence.

#justice4nyiah

Street memorial for Mr. Lester Howard | 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue NE DC

This large shrine to Mr. Howard is on a very busy stretch of Minnesota Avenue NE. His friends kept up a months-long daily vigil at the site. May he RIP.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, May 15, 2021, in the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue NE, Washington DC. At approximately 4:55 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located an adult male and two adult females, all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victims to area hospitals. After all life-saving efforts failed, the adult male victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The two adult females were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Additionally, a fourth victim, an adult male, suffering from a gunshot wound, sought treatment at a local hospital for a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The decedent has been identified as 28 year-old Lester Howard, of Southeast, DC.