Street shrine for Alex Alexander | 500 block of Newcomb Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, May 3, 2025, at approximately 12:23 a.m., Seventh District officers responded to 500 block of Newcomb Street SE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male unconscious not breathing, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 31-year-old Alex Alexander of Gaithersburg, MD. 

May this community be granted peace and justice.

Street memorial for Dominique Dingle | 1000 block of 3rd Place SE DC

From a DC Police report: On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at approximately 9:41 p.m., First District officers responded to the 1000 block of 3rd Place SE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male, unconscious, not breathing, and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 16-year-old Dominique Dingle, of Southeast, DC. 

I met a grieving young man at this site. May he and all who knew young Mr. Dingle be spared further grief.

Red kerchief for Dar’Juan McRoy | 2900 block of Knox Place SE DC

From a DC Police report: On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Seventh District officers responded to the 2900 block of Knox Place SE, Washington DC, for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male unconscious and not breathing suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after all lifesaving measures failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 22-year-old Dar’Juan McRoy, of Southeast, D.C. 

RIP

Flowers for Ryan Matthews | 4600 block of Benning Road SE DC

From a DC Police report: On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at approximately 9:48 p.m., Sixth District officers responded for the sounds of gunshots in the 4600 block of Benning Road SE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, unconscious and not breathing, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after all lifesaving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. A short time later, a second victim, an adult male, arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds sustained in the same incident. The second victim is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as 36-year-old Ryan Matthews of Southeast, DC.

I spoke with a couple of men who lived nearby about the situation and wished them and their community peace. They in turn thanked me for doing what I do.

Police tape for a 14-year-old girl's death | 1700 block of Benning Road NE DC

From a DC Police report: Wednesday, May 21, 2025. At approximately 5:09 p.m., Fifth District officers responded to the 1700 block of Benning Road NE, Washington DC for a report of a shooting. Officers located a 14-year-old girl inside an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers performed lifesaving measures. Unfortunately, the girl succumbed to her injuries. The preliminary investigation indicates the girl was handling a firearm while recording a video for social media when the weapon discharged, striking her in the upper body. Multiple individuals, including at least one adult, were inside the apartment when the shooting occurred. The firearm has been recovered.

“This is a devastating reminder of the dangers of weapons getting into the hands of young people in our city, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the decedent,” said Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith. “Firearms are not toys or props and they must be properly secured in a place where they can only be accessed by lawful gun owners.” Fifth District detectives are investigating this case.