Washington's Other Monuments

"Please Remember Me" - Memorial for Japarker 'Deoni' Jones, 4900 block of East Capitol Street NE

2012-02-08T21:50:00.005-05:00

According to the Washington Blade, over 200 people attended the vigil for slain transgender woman Japarker "Deoni" Jones.

From a DC police report: On Thursday, February 2, 2012, at approximately 8:13 pm, a Metro Transit Police Officer was flagged down for an assault at a bus stop in the 4900 block of East Capitol Street NE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, the officer located a transgender female, who was unconscious and unresponsive suffering from a stab wound. Units from the Sixth District and DC Fire EMS responded to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was admitted in critical condition. On Friday, February 3, 2012, at 2:35 am, the victim, identified as JaParker Jones, 23, also known as “Deoni” and “Logan."

Ms. Jones is one of several transgender DC citizens murdered in the last couple of years. The City and police are pursuing this issue.

People I spoke to at the bus stop where the memorial was erected were very upset at this crime, including one individual who also appeared to be transgender. I was told that the murderer stabbed Ms. Jones in the head, then ran away. They expressed care for his family; several knew Deoni or his mother, and shook their heads at this senseless and cruel fate.

There is considerably more about all this at HomicideWatch.

On the photograph placed on the shrine, there is a note that reads
My name is Deoni, and my life was taken February 02, 2012 "Please Remember Me"

Flowers and tears. May all know peace, and may justice, justice be done.

Site of a fatal accident after a shooting - 400 block Taylor Street NE

2012-02-08T21:43:00.002-05:00

From a DC police report: On Sunday, January 29, 2012, at approximately 2:56 am, units from the Fourth District received several calls for the sounds of gunshots in the 700 block of Otis Place NW, Washington DC. While responding, a MPD cruiser was flagged down at the corner of Georgia Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue, NW, by an unidentified black male who stated that unknown suspects had just shot at him from a burgundy colored Plymouth minivan with Virginia tags. A lookout was broadcast and another MPD unit observed a burgundy minivan speeding in the 300 block of Upshur Street, NW, passing through stop signs without stopping. A pursuit was then initiated and ended in the 400 block of Taylor Street, NE, when the suspect vehicle lost control, struck a tree, and then struck another MPD vehicle that was responding to the scene for support. Personnel from DC Fire and EMS responded at the scene of the crash. The two officers in the vehicle that was struck sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. All three occupants of the suspect vehicle were ejected. Two of suspects died of their injuries. The third male suspect, a juvenile, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The decedents have been identified as Thaddeus Alphonso Howard, 19, and William Kurland Joseph Adams IV, 18, both of DC. Evidence recovered indicates that the vehicle was involved in a shooting. MPD units returned to the scene where the male flagged them down, but have been unable to locate him.

Newborn baby... abandoned to die | 3000 block of Channing Street NE | tender memorial

2012-01-24T22:26:00.003-05:00

From a DC police report: On Sunday, January 15, 2012, at approximately 11:34 pm, units from the Fifth District and personnel from DC Fire and EMS responded to the 3000 block of Channing Street NE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of an unconscious infant. Upon their arrival, they observed a resident at that location performing CPR on an unconscious infant. The infant was transported to Children’s National Medical Center, where the infant was pronounced dead at 2:21 am on Monday, January 16, 2012.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that a resident in the 3000 block of Channing Street, NE was walking home when he observed the infant wrapped in a towel on a step of another residence in the same block. The resident and another witness determined that the infant was cold and unconscious, and brought the infant into their home and called 911. The cause of death is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Much more about this extraordinarily sad situation is at HomicideWatch.

Seeing the touching memorial to this unknown innocent, on a quiet street of single-family homes, made my heart hurt.

יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא.

14th Street & Park Rd NW | Juan Antonio Paredes

2012-01-24T22:16:00.002-05:00

DC police press officers said an assault was reported at 14th and Park Streets NW at about 1:55 pm Saturday, January 14, 2012. The victim, Juan Antonio Paredes, 45, was beaten with a steel pole and Jeffrey Mills was arrested in the incident. DC Councilman Jim Graham said that he understood that the incident was “a serious fight between two persons vending.”

More information is at HomicideWatch.

All that remained of the incident was this police tape. Apparently there had been a large bloodstain on the sidewalk near the bike racks where the slaying occurred, but there was no sign of it, nor of any memorial other than the police crime scene tape.

Howard Ricardo Sampler's memorial / big blue bird...

2012-01-13T22:44:00.007-05:00

This large shrine was erected in a neighborhood where there have been several homicides in the past few weeks.

From a DC Police report: On Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at approximately 5:55 pm units from the Sixth District responded to a call for a shooting in the 1500 block of 45th Street NE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, they located the victim, an adult male, identified as Howard Ricardo Sampler, 21, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to local area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
More information at HomicdeWatch.

RIP to Mr. Sampler, and peace to the community.

Flowers and a blue candle for David Lee Robinson / Foote Street NE

2012-01-13T22:34:00.002-05:00

From a DC Police report: On Sunday, January 08, 2012, at approximately 2:21 am, officers from the Sixth District heard the sounds of gunshots in the area of 58th and Foote Streets NE, Washington DC, and responded to investigate. Upon arriving the officers located an adult male victim, identified as David Lee Robinson, 19, suffering from gunshot wounds and who was unconscious and unresponsive. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

According to a press report, he was apparently killed for his sneakers.
More information is at HomicideWatch,

Very sad situation. Peace to all in his circle.

Memorial on Southern Avenue to Rose and Tie Tie

2012-01-13T18:20:00.006-05:00

This memorial for two teen girls, who died in a fiery car crash on August 12, 2011, is on Southern Avenue, directly across from the United Medical Center.

Tiasiah Branham, 16, nicknamed Tie Tie, and another girl, 17, otherwise unidentified but nicknamed Rose, were fondly regarded by their family and friends.

Though the accident was handled by DC police and rescue personnel, the memorial is on the Prince George's County side of the avenue.

This information was gathered from DC Police, news reports, and observation at the site.

RIP.

Eisenhower Kevin Victor - police tape | Brentwood MD

2011-12-31T08:38:00.003-05:00

From a Prince George's County police report: On December 9, 2011, at approximately 10:30 pm, patrol officers responded to the 4600 block of 37th Street in Brentwood, Maryland for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Eisenhower Kevin Victor, 21, of Brentwood, lying on the roadway suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased shortly after. Detectives are currently working to identify a suspect(s) and motive in this case.

The police tape was spread out over a wide area, where a small park abutted a quiet residential neighborhood. There have been two homicides in this general area recently.

More information at GoryPG.

Police tape for Derrick Ragland | Taylor Street NE

2011-12-31T08:31:00.002-05:00

From a DC Police report: On Monday, December 19, 2011, at approximately 5:54 pm units from the Fourth District responded to a call for a shooting in the 1000 block of Taylor Street NE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, they located the victim, an adult male, identified as Derrick Ragland, 19, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to local area hospital. The victim later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

According to other reports, Mr. Ragland was shot a block or so away, and collapsed in this alley, in what is generally a tranquil, well-kept neighborhood.

Sad... This police tape was the only marker left of his passage.

More information is at HomicideWatch.

Video about Shrines work on Homicide Watch.

2011-12-26T21:56:00.003-05:00

A Sad Birthday Cake for Charles Hunter | Temple Hills, MD

2011-11-25T17:10:00.004-05:00

From the Washington Times: A man fatally shot early Sunday November 13, 2011, in Temple Hills, Maryland, was killed during an argument about a stolen coat. Charles Raphael Hunter, 20, was shot outside an apartment complex in the 3100 block of Good Hope Avenue after he and several friends got into an argument with several people standing in front of the complex. Three witnesses identified Daniel Andrew Gardner, 22, as the shooter, and he was arrested shortly after the incident. Mr. Gardner has been charged with first and second-degree murder and is being held without bond.

The argument occurred around 2 am, when a group including Mr. Hunter confronted another group of people about a stolen coat. A security guard at the complex heard the commotion and escorted the men with Mr. Hunter off the property. Moments later, he heard gunshots and saw a man firing at the group with Mr. Hunter. Mr. Hunter was taken to a hospital but died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

The killing is the 85th criminal homicide investigated by the Prince George’s County Police Department this year. Last year at this time, the police department had recorded 81 criminal homicides.

More information is at GoryPG.

This street memorial is the first one I have seen with a birthday cake, and definitely the first cake I have experienced with a blunt on it instead of a candle. On seeing the festive cake, a concerned woman passing by asked me if a child had been murdered at the site.

In any case, a life lost, and in this case over a mere coat. Prayers, work needed, and strength to all concerned with Mr. Hunter's life and demise.

Shoes for Jakari Butler | site of two recent slayings in Oxon Hill

2011-11-25T16:57:00.004-05:00

According to the Washington Post, there were two killings in two succesive nights in the same block of Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Kaya Dejuna Wilson, 29, was fatally shot Saturday night November 19, 2011, in Prince George’s County, about one block from where a man was killed in a stabbing Friday evening, authorities said.
A police spokesman said there are no signs that the two incidents were related.

The Saturday night shooting occurred about 8:30 pm in the 1000 block of Marcy Avenue in Oxon Hill. Ms. Wilson was pronounced dead inside her apartment.

The evening before, November 18, 2011, Jakari Butler, 20, was found in the same block on Marcy Avenue after a slashing was reported there around 5:30 pm. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

I found no evidence of a memorial for Ms. Wilson in this modest garden apartment complex, and I assume these men's sneakers, tossed over a wire just outside the entrance to the area, are intended as a tribute to Mr. Butler. Seeing them quietly swaying on this sky-blue day made me sad.

There is more information available at GoryPG.

Yellow police tape | Silvestre Antonio Perez-Agustine

2011-11-25T16:46:00.003-05:00

From The Washington Post: A man died early Monday morning, November 14, 2011, after being shot in the face in Northeast DC. Police said there was no one in the vicinity except the victim when they arrived to investigate a report of gunshots about 2:20 am. The shooting victim, Silvestre Antonio Perez-Agustine, 21, was taken to an area hospital and pronounced dead shortly before 3 am.

Investigators told News4 that the victim was found behind a Cadillac at the scene. All I could find that marked his passing was this tape remnant, left behind from the police cordon.

More details about the situation and testimony about Mr. Perez-Agustine's life is at HomicideWatch. He seems to have affected a number of people very positively by his character.

May he and his loved ones know peace.

Memorial bears for Antonio Headspeth | Barry Farms

2011-11-07T16:50:00.005-05:00

From a DC police report: On Monday, October 17, 2011 at approximately 1:32 am, units from the Seventh District responded to the 1200 block of Stevens Road SE, Washington DC, to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, they located an unconscious and unresponsive male suffering from gunshot wounds in the rear of the 1100 block of Stevens Road SE. DC Fire and EMS determined that the victim, Antonio Headspeth, 25, had no signs consistent with life and was pronounced dead.

Mr. Headspeth's family has issued a plea for the person who killed him to turn themselves in.

There have been two slayings in the Barry Farms community recently. I pray for peace, justice, and wisdom for all concerned.

More at Homicide Watch.

Street memorial for Andre "Dre" Wiggins | Clay Street NE

2011-11-07T16:08:00.005-05:00

From a DC police report: On Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at approximately 11:54 am, Sixth District officers responded to the 5200 block of Clay Street NE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they located an adult male who was unconscious and unresponsive suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim Andre Wiggins, 19, to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

I arrived at the shrine immediately after his large funeral procession had proceeded by. There were a very large number of candles at his vigil - the street was dotted with a phalanx of melted wax remnants.

More information is available at HomicideWatch.

Peace to his family and friends, and a wish for peace and strength for the whole embattled Clay Terrace community.

Memorial for Demetrius Thompson | bus stop on Alabama Avenue SE

2011-11-07T15:27:00.005-05:00

From a DC Police report: On Thursday, October 20, 2011, at approximately 12:08 am, units from the Seventh District responded to the 2100 block of Alabama Avenue SE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they located the victim lying in the street of that location. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim, Demetrius Emmanuel Thompson, 22, to an area hospital where he succumbed to injuries and was pronounced dead.
On Tuesday, October 25, 2011, authorities from the US Marshals Task Force in Orlando, Florida arrested Vincent Gray, 21, and Delron Atchison, 22, both from DC, in Orlando, Florida, pursuant to DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging them both with Murder Two while Armed.

This decorative memorial to Mr. Thompson's life is at the busy Alabama Avenue bustop where his life came to a sudden sad end.

More information is at HomicideWatch.

Police tape for Jodie Ward | Barry Farms

2011-11-07T15:19:00.003-05:00

From a DC Police report: On Thursday, October 20, 2011 at approximately 11:02 pm, units from the Seventh District responded to the 1100 block of Eaton Road SE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of an unconscious person. Upon their arrival, they located an unconscious and unresponsive male, Jodie Ward, 30, suffering from a stab wound. DC Fire and EMS determined that the victim had no signs consistent with life and was pronounced dead. On Thursday, October 20, 2011, members of the Homicide Branch arrested Felicia Dianne Jones, 30, originally charging her with Murder II while Armed. The charges against her have since been reduced to Assault with Intent to Kill.

This slaying is one of two that recently occurred in the struggling Barry Farms neighborhood of DC.

More information is at HomicideWatch.

Scene of a murder: Police tape at the site of Domingo Ezrike's murder

2011-11-07T15:06:00.004-05:00

From a DC police report: On Saturday, October 22, 2011, at approximately 3:55 am, units from the Sixth District discovered an unconscious and unresponsive adult male suffering from a gunshot wound in the 4300 block of Ponds Street NE, Washington DC. DC Fire and EMS determined that the victim had no signs consistent with life. The victim, Domingo Ezirike, 40, was then transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where he was pronounced dead.
On Sunday, October 23, 2011, members of the Homicide Branch arrested Rashad Terrell Slye, 20, charging him with First Degree Felony Murder while Armed for the homicide shooting of Domingo Ezirike.

Mr. Ezrike was a taxi driver who had picked up Mr. Terrell as a customer. It appears that the slaying resulted from a dispute over a shorted fare of seventy-five cents, and possibly a disagreement regarding music on the cab's radio.

More information about this particularly senseless tragedy can be seen at HomicideWatch.

A prayer for peace for Mr. Ezrike's loved ones.

Police crime tape for Alonzo James Guyton

2011-11-07T14:57:00.003-05:00

From a Prince George's County police report: On October 25, 2011 at approximately 12:02 a.m., officers from the Mount Rainier Police Department responded to the 4200 block of Kaywood Drive, Mt. Rainier, Maryland, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Alonzo James Guyton suffering from gunshot wounds to his body. Guyton was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Through the course of their investigation, homicide detectives developed William Knight, of Washington DC, as a suspect in the case. On October 28, 2011, an arrest warrant was served on Knight at the DC Jail where he was being held on an unrelated charge. Two additional suspects, Lorenzo Carlton, 21 and Michael Jordan, 18, have also been arrested in connection with this murder.

I found this remnant of police crime tape in an otherwise quiet well-kept garden apartment complex.

Memorial for Jamar Freeman- 9th Street NW

2011-10-22T09:12:00.009-04:00

This memorial to Jamar Freeman is in an alley at the site of his murder, adjacent to a school playground.

Adapted from a police report: On Saturday, October 8, 2011, at approximately 7:25 pm, units from the Fourth District discovered a male suffering from stab wounds in the 900 block of Quincy Street NW, Washington DC. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Jamar Michael Freeman, 17, to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. A vigil held 1on October 15th in the 9th Street alley where he died. He was raised in the neighborhood, and was known locally for his involvement in sports and youth sports advocacy.

A 17-year-old from Northwest DC has been arrested in this shooting death. Derek Johnson was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder while armed. He will be charged as an adult.

Apparently Mr. Freeman and his accused killer both appear in the team photograph at the site, according to reporter John Muller, who attended the vigil for Mr. Freeman.

Sad. Strength and prayers for his family.

More information on the situation can be found at HomicideWatch.

Jawan Parker's street shrine - "211"

2011-10-22T09:02:00.005-04:00

From a DC police report: On Sunday, October 16, 2011 at approximately 8:20 pm, units from the Fifth District responded to the 1900 block of I Street, NE, for the report of a stabbing. Upon their arrival, they located a male, identified as Jawan Parker, 31, suffering from stab wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where was pronounced dead.

The suspect is described as a black female, in her late 20s, approximately 5 feet 7 inches, with brown hair, wearing a green jacket and blue jeans.

This shrine was built by friends and family on the corner of 21st and I Street NE, where he was murdered.

Some of the offerings left at the site included cans of "211" malt liquor, a favorite of his, which signified his neighborhood - 21st & I.

I was accompanied at this site by reporter John Muller, who interviewed Mr. Parker's grieving mother and a young relative. A neighbor said Mr. Parker was a recent widower, and his death leaves four children orphaned behind.

I trust justice is served, and pray for peace and healing.

More information about Mr. Parker is at HomicideWatch.

Street memorial for Isaiah Sheffield | Carver Terrace neighborhood

2011-10-22T08:51:00.002-04:00

From a DC police report: On Saturday, September 24, 2011, at approximately 1:45 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the 1100 block of 21st Street NE, Washington DC, for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arriving on the scene, they located an adult male lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Isaiah Sheffield, 24, to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

On Thursday, October 20, 2011, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Jekwan Dante Smith, 20, charging him with First Degree Murder while Armed.

Flowers placed in Mr. Sheffield's memory...

More at HomicideWatch.

Double bears for Carlows Michael Eady | Clay Terrace

2011-10-22T08:44:00.004-04:00

From a DC police report: On Saturday, October 1, 2011, at approximately 12:28 a.m., units from the Sixth District were dispatched to the 5300 block of Dix Street NE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they located an adult male who was unconscious, unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Personnel from DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Carlows Michael Eady, 25, to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:57 am.

This dual memorial is in Clay Terrace, one of the city's most challenged neighborhoods. There have been numerous slayings here, and several street memorials to the victims are still kept up.

A prayer for peace for the family of Mr. Eady, and for all who live with the threat and reality of violence.

More information is at HomicideWatch.

Flowers and libations for Miguel Angel Drullard Jr.

2011-10-22T08:32:00.005-04:00

This street memorial is in front of the El Don ("The Lord") restaurant on upper 14th Street NW in Washington, DC.

From a DC police report: On Thursday, October 6, 2011, at approximately 3:47 p.m., units from the Fourth District were dispatched to the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. Upon their arrival, they located an adult male, Miguel Angel Drullard Jr., 22, lying in the street unconscious and unresponsive. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the striking vehicle may have intentionally struck the pedestrian. The lookout for the involved vehicle in this case is a Jeep Liberty that is red or burgundy in color with extensive front end damage.

Christian Navarrette-Rivas, 16, is in custody, and is accused of intentionally striking down Miguel Drullard Jr, 22, with his vehicle, a red Jeep Liberty. The slaying appears to have been related to a gang fight.

More information on the situation is at HomicideWatch.

Central Avenue (Wile E. Coyote memorial)

2011-10-22T08:22:00.004-04:00

I found this older shrine to to an unknown person at 6101 Central Avenue, at the corner of Central Avenue and Maryland Park Avenue, in Capitol Heights, Maryland.

The life-size Wile E. Coyote plush toy makes it a plaintive and unusual sight by the roadside.

The sign on the memorial appears to have had a name, but it is too worn to read. I was unable to find any information that definitively matched this memorial with a particular person or incident.

Peace be upon all.

A cross and bears for Eddie Ross

2011-10-22T08:13:00.005-04:00

This memorial to Eddie Ross is immediately adjacent to the Addison Road Metro station in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.

From the Gazette newspaper: An unidentified adult driver is in police custody after striking and killing a Capitol Heights man in Seat Pleasant on Saturday morning, May 14, 2011.
Officers responded at about 4:40 a.m. to the intersection of Addison Road South and Central Avenue, where they found Eddie Ross, 34, of Capitol Heights, who had been struck by an 1998 four-door Oldsmobile.

The driver, a 34-year-old, turned him or herself into police.

Ross apparently had been crossing Addison Road but was not using the crosswalk. He was taken to Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and was pronounced dead on arrival.

The incident was reported by a passing motorist who saw the man in the road.

Police tape 1300 block West Virginia Ave, DC - for Mark Goldring

2011-10-22T08:07:00.003-04:00

From a DC police report: On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at approximately 2:50 pm units from the Fifth District along with a K-9 unit, responded to the 1300 block of West Virginia Avenue NE, Washington DC, for an investigate the trouble call. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult male suffering from stab wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Mark A. Goldring , 45, to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, Jewell Washington, 19, was arrested without incident. She has been charged with Murder Two While Armed.

More information at HomicideWatch.

Flowers for Dr. Guarav Gopalin / peace peace peace

2011-09-21T14:39:00.005-04:00

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announced on September 20,2011 that the death of Gaurav Gopalan, has been ruled a homicide by a member of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of DC.

On Saturday, September 10, 2011, at approximately 5:20 am, units from the Third District responded to the 2600 block of 11th Street NW, for the report of a man down. Upon arrival, the units discovered Gaurav Gopalan, 35, unconscious and unresponsive. DC Fire and EMS transported the decedent to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to several reports, Gaurav Gopalan held a PhD in engineering from the University of Maryland. A friend said he had also been involved with the former Washington Shakespeare Company, with credits as a director and stage manager.

This memorial, composed almost entirely of beautiful flowers, is at the site of his slaying; just two blocks from his home.

This terrible situation may be investigated as a bias crime. Several transgender and gay citizens have been viciously attacked in Washington lately, and two of them have been slain.

There is further information on Dr. Gopalin in the Washington Blade, City Paper, and, as always, in-depth coverage can be viewed on HomicideWatch.

Om shanti/namaste/pax/shalom/salaam/peace

Toys, bottles, flowers, a T-shirt, and grafitti: Memorial for Bobby Lee Jackson

2011-09-20T20:53:00.007-04:00

From a DC police repor t: On Saturday, June 25, 2011, at approximately 1:39 am, personnel from the Sixth District responded to the 5900 block of Eads Street NE, Washington DC, for a call to check on the welfare of an individual. Upon arriving, an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds was located. The victim, Bobby Lee Jackson, was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where he was pronounced dead.

The red-brick, barred-window building outside of which Bobby Jackson died is on a grassy hillside at the corner of 60th and Eads streets NE. The words “RIP Bob” have been written in black spray paint on the wall of the building in front of which he died. A makeshift memorial of Heineken beer bottles and stuffed animals sits nearby. Two vigils were held at the site.

Much of this information is from a recent story about the situation is in the Washington Post.

More detail is at HomicideWatch.

Alicia Wheeler's Memorial - Trinidad neighborhood

2011-09-15T20:39:00.005-04:00

From a DC Police report: On Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at approximately 3:09 pm, an officer from the Fifth District was flagged down in the 1200 block of Neal Street NE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, the officer observed a female suffering from multiple lacerations to her body. DC Fire and EMS responded and transported the victim, identified as Alicia Wheeler, 42, to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.
The Metropolitan Police Department's 5th District officers apprehended the suspect, identified as Claude Kinney, 48, and he was charged with First Degree Murder While Armed.

The killing was in an alley behind the Cole Recreation Center. According to charging documents, Ms. Wheeler's children may have witnessed the stabbing, and may have been the witnesses who alerted the police.

She had repeatedly had court restraining orders against Mr. Kinney, who apparently was upset about a child custody issue.

HomicideWatch has considerably more information on this heartbreaking case.

A prayer for Ms. Wheeler, and especially for her children.

Two shrines in memory of Tyrell Fogle

2011-09-03T09:37:00.008-04:00

From a DC police report: At 10:34 p.m. Monday, Fifth District police heard gunshots in the 1900 block of Bennett Place NE, Washington DC, and then saw a man being chased and shot multiple times at by a masked man with a gun. The victim, identified as Tyrell Fogle, 17, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and collapsed in the 1900 block of Bennett Place NE. DC Fire and EMS transported Mr. Fogle to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. Officers chased the armed masked man and arrested him in the 700 block of 21st Street, NE. Anthony Hatton, 18, of Southeast Washington, DC, is charged with murder while armed.

One large shrine, with an exceptional amount of testimony written on the sidewalk, was set up by his loved ones at the site of his death on Bennett Place NE. Another large shrine, in the 300 block of 18th Place NE DC, was created during a vigil near the home he grew up in. His vigil was held on what would have been his 18th birthday.

These photographs are from both sites.

According to a neighbor I spoke to on Bennett Place, young Mr. Fogle was shot several times- she thought she had heard multiple gunshots. Another person also told me that his girlfriend is pregnant with his child, and speculated that she "must be devastated."

According to neighbors and friends, he was a positive kid, involved in sports- a very handsome young man, likely shot in a dispute regarding jealousy and a romantic situation.

T-shirts were made in his honor and memory.

May he rest in peace, his family know peace, and justice flow.

More details on HomicideWatch.

Memorial for Wyatt Earp Robinson

2011-09-03T09:24:00.003-04:00

This small memorial to Wyatt Earp Robinson is on a busy corner of Minnesota Avenue NE, next to a seafood store and a MacDonalds.

From a DC Police report: On Sunday, August 21, 2011, at approximately 6:55 pm, units from the Sixth District responded to the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue NE, Washington DC, to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, they observed a male lying on the sidewalk, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS determined that the victim had no signs consistent with life. Subsequently, the victim, Wyatt Earp Robinson, 33, was pronounced dead by a member of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Ricardo Mitchell, 32, of Temple Hills MD, has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Wyatt Earp Robinson.

From HomicideWatch: A DC police officer "romantically linked" to Ricardo Mitchell could face criminal charges connected with the murder of Wyatt Earp Robinson, Paul Wagner from MyFoxDC reports. Law enforcement sources say the officer, who is assigned to the Second District, first told investigators she had not witnessed the crime. Then, upon further questioning she changed her story. Admitting she was in the 3900 block of Clay Place NE when detectives say Ricardo Mitchell, 32, shot and killed Wyatt Robinson. The officer, who sources say is a veteran with at least 10 years of service, has had her police powers revoked. She could face obstruction of justice and or accessory after the fact charges.

Dominic Dixon- reward poster

2011-09-03T09:18:00.002-04:00

From a DC police report: On Sunday, August 28, 2011, at approximately 7:38 pm, units from the First District responded to the 200 block of N Street NW, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Dominic Dixon, 21, to the hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead. A second adult victim was located in the area of 4th and M Streets NW suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
From HomicideWatch: “I was at the basketball court on N street across from Dunbar yesterday evening. Not even five minutes after leaving and entering my house, I heard sirens, saw flashing lights and the helicopter above. From what the neighbors are saying, two young people were shot near the basketball court, with one not surviving."

Memorial for Christopher Emanuel Freeman | 300 block of 34th Street SE

2011-08-18T22:33:00.004-04:00

From DC police reports: On Friday August 5, 2011, at approximately 3:00 am, units from the Sixth District responded to the 300 block of 34th Street SE, Washington DC, to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, they observed a male in the alley suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS determined that the victim, Christopher Emanuel Freeman, 28, had no signs consistent with life. A second victim was also wounded and transported to an area hospital.

On Thursday, August 11, 2011 at approximately 4:30 pm, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested James Fields, 31, of no fixed address, charging him with Second Degree Murder while Armed.

I have photographed several street shrines in this neighborhood. I was questioned today very warily by a passerby, who eased up when I explained what my purposes were.

I pray justice and peace are served in this unhappy situation.

More information is at HomicideWatch.

Double homicide- Patricia Mercer-Harris & Frank Harris Jr | Ft. Washington MD

2011-08-18T22:18:00.004-04:00

From a PG County police report: On August 4, 2011, at approximately 4:37 a.m. Prince George's County patrol officers responded to 11800 block of Hickory Drive, Fort Washington, Maryland for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Patricia Mercer-Harris, 56, and Frank Arthur Harris Jr., 20, inside the residence. Both victims were found shot and pronounced deceased on the scene.

An intensive investigation is ongoing.

I found these candle drippings left in memorial at the front of the residence, which is in a quiet, leafy suburban neighborhood.

Sad.

More information at GoryPG.

Dwight Gaiter - crime scene tape/56th Street NE

2011-08-18T22:11:00.004-04:00

From DC police reports:On Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at approximately 12:15 am, units from the Sixth District responded to the 400 block of 56th Street NE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a stabbing. They found a male victim suffering from an apparent stab wound. Personnel from the DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Dwight Gaiter, 26, to an area hospital where he was being treated for his injuries. On August 10, 2011 at approximately 6:30 pm., the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

I found it especially sad to see that the mailbox at the house was stuffed full; no one was there to get the mail anymore.

RIP.

More information at HomicideWatch.

RIP Jasmine Jerona Banks

2011-08-18T21:57:00.003-04:00

There are a few remnants of a large candle-lit vigil for Jasmine Banks outside the now shuttered MSG club, located in a strip mall in Capitol Heights.

From a PG police report: On August 8, 2011, at approximately 2:44 am., patrol officers responded to the 7900 block of Central Avenue, Capitol Heights, Maryland, for the report of a shooting, outside the MSG nightclub. When the officers arrived, they found Jasmine Jerona Banks, 20, of District Heights, Maryland, and another male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Banks was transported to a local hospital where she was admitted in critical condition. She was pronounced deceased the next afternoon as a result from her injuries. The male victim was also transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

I have been to this site on a couple of previous occasions when murders had occurred in the vicinity, though had never previously found any memorials built at the site, which is on a busy commercial property.

Prince Georges County authorities have now ordered the club closed for several violations.

Considerably more information is at GoryPG.

Prayers for this young woman and her loved ones.

Osman Al-Akbar | 2600 block of University Place, NW

2011-08-18T21:45:00.004-04:00

This crime scene tape is at the site where Osman Al-Akbar was slain. As the crime had just occurred the day prior to my site visit, no memorial had yet arisen.

Peace be upon you, Mr. Al-Akbar.

From DC police sources: On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at approximately 1:39 am, units from the Third District responded to the 2600 block of University Place NW, Washington DC, to investigate the report of sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, they observed a male lying in the street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS determined that the victim, Osman Al-Akbar, 19, had no signs consistent with life, and was pronounced later dead by a member of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Shortly after the shooting, Third District officers stopped two suspects in connection with the homicide. After further investigation by detectives from the Homicide Branch, Rashid Caviness-Bey, 19, of Northwest and a 15-year old male of Capitol Heights, MD, were charged with First Degree Felony Murder while Armed and Carrying a Pistol Without a license (CPWL).

For more information see HomicideWatch.

Memorial for Myles LeShai McLean / 61st & Dix Streets NE

2011-07-26T11:09:00.006-04:00

From a DC Police report: On Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at approximately 4:26 am, members of the Sixth District responded to the report of a shooting in the 6100 block of Dix Street NE, Washington DC. Upon arrival on the scene, they found Myles LaShay Mclean, 23, of NE Washington DC, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where the victim was pronounced dead.

Myles LaShai McLean was a 23-year-old transgender woman, and the murder is being investigated as a hate crime, according to the city officials. Metro Weekly reports Ms. McLean's vigil was organized by Earline Budd of Transgender Health Empowerment and Ruby Corado with the DC Trans Coalition.

''This is just to remember Lashai,'' Corado says of this vigil and others, ''to show that we care, that we love them, that their life matters. We usually don't want to make it a political event, but it turns out that way because this happens too many times." and ''we also want to bring attention to the fact that most crimes against transgender people don't find justice.''

An extensive and moving report on the situation is in the Blade.

May justice and peace come to Ms. McLean, her friends, supporters, and family.

Further information is at HomicideWatch.

Update: According to WAMU, the original shrine was burned in what is being investigated as a bias crime.

On September 17th, I visited the site, and found the memorial had been rebuilt.

David Eduardo Gonzalez's shrine in the 900 block of Randolph Stret NW

2011-07-26T10:52:00.006-04:00

From a DC police report: On Tuesday July 19, 2011, at approximately 3:08 am, Units from the Fourth District responded to the 900 block of Randolph Street NW, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they observed a male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS determined that the victim had no signs consistent with life. The victim, David Eduardo Gonzalez , 23, of Northwest DC, was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and was pronounced dead.

Though I have no further information on Mr. Gonzalez, but a red neckerchief is usually a sign of the Bloods.

A young woman passerby at this street memorial shook her head sadly, and commented "it never stops, does it."

I pray that it does someday, and in our time.

More on Mr. Gonzales is at HomicideWatch.

Double homicide- Jimmie Lee Simmons and Domonique Barber

2011-07-24T22:13:00.005-04:00

From DC police and news reports: On Saturday, July 9, 2011, at approximately 5:52 am, members of the Third District responded to the sounds of gunshots in the 1400 block of Parkwood Place NW, Washington DC. Upon arrival on the scene, they found three adult male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Personnel from DC Fire and EMS determined two of the victims had no signs compatible with life. Those two victims were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where they were pronounced dead. The third victim was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted in grave condition. The decedents have been identified as Jimmie Lee Simmons III, 32, and Domonique Barber , 31, both of NW Washington, DC. A press report stated that a weapon was recovered from the victim who went to the hospital.
Motives for the slayings remain unclear, although there is a suggestion that there may have been gambling on the scene.

There were three memorials at the end of the block,; I assume for all three individuals who were shot.

Sad.

More information is on HomicideWatch.

Memorial for Lonnie Martin Whitted, 18th and U Place SE

2011-07-24T21:59:00.006-04:00

On Thursday July 7, 2011, at approximately 12:15 am, units from the Sixth District responded to 18th Street and U Place SE, Washington DC, to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Upon arriving on the scene, officers located an adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Lonnie Martin Whitted, 27, of SE Washington DC, to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

I was with writer John Muller at this site. We spoke with a woman, Deborah Akwie who started the memorial, and on whose property it abuts. She said the murder was a deep shock to the neighborhood, and that things have been somber since then. She also testified that she had learned that Mr. Whitted had been an accomplished and educated person, and had quite a large circle of caring friends and family who were deeply grieved at his sad and sudden end.

More information on HomicideWatch.

Peace peace peace...

RIP graffiti, Woodland Terrace SE

2011-07-24T16:39:00.002-04:00

Graffiti on an electrical box, in the Woodland Terrace projects, off Ainger Place SE, Washington DC.

The gang in this neighborhood calls itself "The Lench Mob"

I have no further information about these RIP tags.

Official notice / RIP Kelvin Donnell Brown / Lincoln Rd NE

2011-07-24T16:32:00.005-04:00

On Tuesday July 5, 2011, at approximately 12:35 am, DC Fire and EMS were notified that an adult male victim had been shot in the 1600 block of Lincoln Road NE, Washington DC. They located and transported the victim to a local hospital. Members from the Fifth District were then dispatched to respond to a local area hospital in regards to the shooting victim. Upon arriving on the scene, officers located an adult male victim being treated by medical personnel suffering from a gunshot wound. The adult male victim, Kelvin Donnell Brown, 22, of NW Washington DC, later succumbed to his injury and was pronounced dead.

More information on HomicideWatch.

For Jeffrey Yarnell Covington, 46th Place NE

2011-07-24T16:26:00.003-04:00

From DC Police reports: On Saturday July 2, 2011, at approximately 1:30 am, units from the Sixth District responded to shooting in the 600 block of 46th Place SE, Washington DC. Officers located an adult male victim, identified as Jeffrey Yarnell Covington, 19, of Upper Marlboro, MD, suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injury and was pronounced dead.

I am not 100% sure this group of plush animals is intended as Mr. Covington's shrine, but the location is correct, and it looks & feels like a small memorial.

In any case, peace to his friends and family.

More information on HomicideWatch.

There was another shrine in this cul-de-sac recently, to Antoine Buckner.

Street Memorial for Mr. Robert Foster / Caribbean Festival tragedy

2011-07-02T22:16:00.006-04:00

There was a shooting incident at the annual Caribbean Festival held on Georgia Avenue in DC.

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, June 25, 2011, at approximately 5:03 pm, units from the Third District responded to a call for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, they located four victims, three in the 700 block of Gresham Place NW, Washington DC, and one in the 700 block of Columbia Road NW. All four victims were transported by DC Fire and EMS to local hospitals where one of the victims, Robert Foster Jr , 43, was pronounced dead.

Terry Jimenez, 20, was charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with Fosters' death.

This shrine for Mr. Foster is on the corner of Georgia Avenue and Gresham Place NW, very near Howard University.

The incidents surrounding this act of very public tragedy and arrest are compiled at HomicideWatch.

Peace to Mr. Foster, to his family and circle of friends, and to all of us.

Memorial for Marcellus Darnaby on Delafield Place NW

2011-07-02T22:04:00.003-04:00

From a DC Police report: On Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at approximately 1:04 am, units from the Fourth District were dispatched to the 300 block of Delafield Place NW, Washington DC, for the sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, they located an adult male victim inside an apartment suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Marcellus J. Darnaby, 32, to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead.

Sad. Peace to his friends and family.

More information on Mr. Darnaby's case at HomicideWatch.

Isaiah Harris's shrine on New Jersey Ave NW

2011-07-02T21:52:00.006-04:00

Isaiah Harris was an 8th grade student at Garnett-Patterson Middle School. He was murdered while walking with a friend very near his school.

From a DC Police report: On Monday, May 30, 2011, at approximately 10:15 pm, units from the Fifth District responded to the 1400 block of New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington DC, to investigate sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, they discovered a juvenile male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. They also located another victim nearby suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported both victims to a local area hospital. At 10:58 pm the first victim, Isaiah Harris, 15, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

On Wednesday, June 01, 2011, at approximately 9:30 pm, 26-year-old Eugene Antoine Kelly, 26, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed.

There is considerably more material on the life and the sad end of young Mr. Harris at HomicideWatch.

Car & bottle shrine for Alphonzo "Fee" Epps / Ainger Place SE

2011-05-28T16:53:00.005-04:00

This large and unusual shrine to Mr. Epps was constructed on a Cadillac in the courtyard where he lost his life.

From a DC Police report:
On Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at approximately 10:00 pm, units from the Seventh District responded to the 2300 block of Ainger Place SE, Washington DC, to investigate a disorderly call. Upon their arrival, they located an adult male victim, Alphonzo Epps, 20, who was unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from an apparent stab wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local area hospital. At 10:45 pm the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

I spoke at length with a resident who recognized me from visits to prior shrines in this same courtyard. She said this killing was totally senseless, and involved a dispute over romantic loyalties. In her view, it should have been settled with words rather than violence. Mr Epps, whose nickname was "Fee" leaves behind a child. This shrine was built on his car, and is being maintained by his friends and grieving family, and candles are lit upon it at night.

May there be peace to his soul, and support and strength to his child.

HomicideWatch has additional information

Shrine for Glenn Bailey / 7th & Edgewood NE

2011-05-28T16:28:00.006-04:00

This large shrine is at the entrance of a parking lot to a large apartment complex.

From HomicideWatch:

Glenn M. Bailey, 46, was fatally stabbed May 17, 2011, in the area of 7th and Edgewood Streets NE, Washington DC. Police responding to a call arrived in the area at 3:40 p.m. and found Bailey breathing, but unconscious, unresponsive and bleeding profusely, according the Washington Post . He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Washington Post said police are searching for two men and a woman who were involved in an argument at an apartment complex on Edgewood Street. In a northeast DC parking lot on Tuesday, prosecutors believe Glenn Bailey, in the heat of an argument, told a woman to "get her boyfriend." She said she could "do it herself," and the two exchanged blows. Bailey was killed when a man pushed the woman aside, and stabbed Bailey at least four times, breaking one of his ribs and puncturing his lung. Bailey died less than a half hour later. Two witnesses identified Damien Pannell, 30, as responsible for the stabbing, Mr. Pannell has been arrested and charged with the slaying.

Justice... and peace, peace, peace...

RIP tags for Moeconi Crutchfield

2011-05-28T16:18:00.003-04:00

These memorial tags to Mr. Crutchfield, and perhaps others from previous incidents, were created in an alley behind the busy intersection of Minnesota and Pennsylvania Avenues SE, Washington DC, in the back of a pizza shop.

From a DC police report:
On Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at approximately 9:45 pm, units from the Sixth District responded to the rear of the 2400 block of Minnesota Avenue SE, Washington, DC. Upon their arrival they found an adult male victim, Moeconi Crutchfield, 30, suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

More specific information is available at HomicideWatch.

Shrine for James Speakes Jr. / Oxon Hill MD

2011-05-28T16:06:00.005-04:00

This memorial, just a block from the DC city line, is in the parking lot of a small liquor store. It is in remembrance of the life of James Speakes Jr.

From a police report:
On May 11, 2011 at approximately 7:04 pm., Prince Georges County patrol officers responded to the 4400 block of Wheeler Road, Oxon Hill MD, for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found James William Speaks, Jr., 28, in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Peace now...

More information on the situation:

Flowers/double homicide- Okasha Hawkins and Joshua Carrol

2011-05-28T15:55:00.003-04:00

This small flower shrine is in the 600 block of Modoc Lane, in Forest Heights, Maryland, just a few blocks beyond the DC line.
It is at the site of the slayings of Okasha M. Hawkins, 22, and Joshua Carrol, 23.
From a police report:
Prince George's County Police officers were called to the 600 block of Modoc Lane in Forest Heights to investigate a report of the sound of gun shots around 1:50 am on May 17, 2011. Patrol officers responding to the scene found a male victim suffering from body trauma, who was pronounced dead at the scene. During their investigation, police said the body of a second male victim was discovered. Both bodies were found outside of the residence at that location but there were not in the same location. No information has been released on possible suspects or motive in the homicide.

For more information on this sad situation, see the blog Gory PG.

RIP Rafael Briscoe / shot by police

2011-04-28T15:10:00.005-04:00

This shrine is for Raphael Briscoe, 18, who was shot by a Washington DC police officer. It is in the 2400 block of Elvans Road SE, Washington DC. It was built immediately after his death by friends and family.

There was a large police presence in the neighborhood, and quite a number of sad and agitated people were gathered near the shrine. Many were questioning the situation.

From a DC Police report:
At approximately 2:30 pm April 26, 2011, members of the Gun Recovery Unit on patrol in the 2400 block of Elvans Road SE, encountered a male armed with a gun.
Shots were fired and the suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A weapon was recovered.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Force Investigations Team is investigating. The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

Adapted from the Washington Post:
Rafael Briscoe, 18, died after being shot by police in the 2400 block of Elvans Rd SE.

Officers from a gun recovery unit were working in the area Tuesday, police said. While on a patrol, officers encountered a male with a gun. The statement gave few details of how matters unfolded.

Briscoe had a BB gun, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said Wednesday during an appearance at Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s weekly press briefing.

“Unfortunately, BB guns are designed to look like semi-automatics,” Lanier said, adding that an officer can’t tell the difference when making a “split-second” decision.

She said she did not know yet whether the suspect fired the BB gun.

For more information, see HomicideWatch.

May justice be found, and peace to all involved in this unhappy situation.

Memorial for Raheem "Gunna" Jackson / Congress Street SE

2011-04-16T15:58:00.004-04:00

From DC Police reports: On Thursday, April 7, 2011, at approximately 9:25 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the report of a shooting in the 1300 block of Congress Street SE, Washington, DC. Upon arrival on the scene, they found a victim, Raheem Jackson, 16, of SE Washington, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported him to the hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

His nickname was "Gunna." He was a junior at HD Woodson High School, and a star player on their basketball team.

More information on Mr. Jackson is on HomicideWatch.

Sad situation.

Memorial for a Double Homicide - Joshua Ruffin and Reginald Williams / Yuma Street SE

2011-04-14T22:24:00.005-04:00

So far as I can acertain, this shrine is to Joshua Ruffin, whose funeral was on the same day as these photographs were taken. I spoke with a distraught and tearful woman at the site who also lost her son to violence. She was too upset to attend the funeral. She said the shrine is exactly where Mr. Ruffin's body lay after he was shot.
From DC Police reports: On Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at approximately 11:20 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the report of a shooting in the 700 block of Yuma Street SE, Washington DC. Upon arrival on the scene, they found a male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. They also located another victim in the same area suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the body. DC Fire and EMS transported the second victim to a local hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead. He has been identified as Joshua Ruffin, 20, from SE Washington. The first victim showed no signs of life and was pronounced dead on the scene. He has been identified as Reginald L. Williams Jr. 22, of NE Washington.

For more details, see HomicideWatch.

Police Tape / William Parker / Stanton Road SE

2011-04-14T22:17:00.003-04:00

From DC Police reports: On Friday, April 8, 2011, at approximately 8:10 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the report of a shooting in the area of Stanton Road and Elvans Road SE, Washington DC. Upon arrival on the scene, they found an adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the 2700 block of Stanton Road, SE. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to the hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead. The decedent is identified as William Parker, 45, of Capitol Heights, MD.

There have been numerous killings in this neighborhood over the years, but this is the closest I have yet seen to a shrine; and it's just the sad businesslike memento left behind at the scene after the police do their work.

Blessings on Mr. Parker, and peace to his family.

The sign on the pole above the tape points the way to "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" Church.

DC crime tape / Jose Hernandez-Romero

2011-04-13T21:30:00.003-04:00

From DC police reports: On Sunday, March 27, 2011, at approximately 2:25 am, members of the Third District responded to the 1200 block of 11th Street, NW Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival on scene, they found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at approximately 5 am. The victim has been identified as Jose Hernandez-Romero, 24, of the 1400 block of N Street, NW.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found the suspect being restrained by witnesses to the shooting. The suspect , identified as Alexis Pineda 24, was arrested and charged with Murder Two While Armed. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

According to other reports, the killing occurred at the now-closed "El Sauce" bar and restaurant. This police crime tape was in the alley behind the main street.

More on Mr. Hernandez-Romero's death is at HomicideWatch.

Flower shrine for Jayna Murray

2011-03-23T13:49:00.007-04:00

This large shrine is to Jayna Troxel Murray, 30, of Arlington, VA, who was killed Friday night March 11, 2011 at her workplace, the Lululemon Athletica store, 4856 Bethesda Avenue, in Bethesda, MD.
Initial news sources reported that Ms. Murray and a co-worker were attacked inside the Lululemon Athletica store. First police findings reported that the women had closed the store for the night but returned when one of them forgot something. The surviving co-worker testified that they were then attacked by two men dressed in black wearing masks and gloves. Murray was killed, and the co-worker was beaten, bound and allegedly sexually assaulted. Police found her Saturday morning after another employee arrived to open the store and saw that something was wrong.

The co-worker, Brittany Norwood, 27, has since been arrested and charged with murder, after her story proved to be a fabrication that did not match the evidence gathered by detectives. Investigators initially believed her, giving deference to the victim of a possible sexual assault, but discovered there had been no rape, and that all other evidence pointed to a purposefully falsified set of evidence.

There has been a large outpouring of support for Ms. Murray, who by all accounts was a positive, upstanding, and well-loved person, for her family, and for the community of businesses along Bethesda's normally safe and busy shopping district.

These photographs at the shrine site were made before the arrest of Ms. Norwood.

More information

Facebook memorial

A charitable foundation has been set up by Ms. Murray's family in honor of her life.

Peace. Healing and peace...

Memorial shrine for Selina Knight

2011-03-18T12:34:00.006-04:00

This lovingly created memorial honors the memory of Selina Knight.

From a DC police report: 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE. On Friday, March 4, 2011, shortly after 11:50 pm, units from the Sixth District were dispatched to the 3000 block of Nelson Place SE, Washington, DC, to investigate the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, they located an adult female, Selina J. Knight , 36, of Southeast, DC inside a residence, unconscious and with no signs of life, suffering from apparent stab wounds.

On March 9, 2011, Keith Littlepage-El, 49, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while armed.

May there be justice and peace... a prayer.

For more information, see HomicideWatch DC.

Teddy bears for Vanessa McGee

2011-03-18T11:47:00.004-04:00

From the DC police report and news sources: Vanessa McGee, 36, was fatally shot shortly before 3:25 am on Saturday, March 5, 2011, inside a home on the 4700 block of B Street SE, Washington, DC. Police went to the residence for a report of a shooting, and found McGee suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital, where she died.
Ronald G. Pickett, 26, of DC, has been charged in connection with the slaying. He was arrested at about 11:30 am March 5, 2011, and has been charged with Murder 2 while armed.

Poignant... and much strength to her loved ones.

More information is at HomicideWatch DC.

Henry Kelly's memorial, Buena Vista Terrace SE

2011-03-18T10:37:00.007-04:00

This shrine is on a stoop on Buena Vista Terrace SE, in Washington DC.

From a police report: On Saturday, March 5, 2011, at approximately 3:30 am, units from the Seventh District were dispatched to the rear alley in the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace SE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Emergency Medical Services determined that the victim, Henry Kelly, 20, of Southeast DC, had no signs consistent with life. He was pronounced dead by a member of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

More information at Homicidewatch DC.

A quiet prayer for all concerned.

Candles in memory of Lucki Pannell / Sherman Ave NW

2011-03-03T15:36:00.006-05:00

I found these remnants of massed candles from the vigil for this young woman, who lost her life on February 19, 2011.
From the DC police report: On Saturday, February 19, 2011, at approximately 7 pm, units from the Third District were dispatched to Sherman Avenue and Columbia Road NW, Washington DC, to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, three gunshot victims were located. A female victim, Lucki Nancy Pannell, 18, was located in front of a residence in the 3000 block of Sherman Avenue, NW. Two adult male victims were located in the 700 block of Harvard Street, NW. DC Fire and EMS transported all three victims to local hospitals. Ms. Pannell succumbed to her injuries and was later pronounced dead.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that all three victims were shot in the 3000 block of Sherman Avenue NW. The two male surviving victims ran from the scene to the 700 block of Harvard Street NW.

There is more on this sad turn of events at HomicideWatch.com's site:
http://homicidewatch.org/category/victims/lucki-pannell

Another small shrine remnant from 2008 is just a few yards away. See: http://dcshrines.blogspot.com/2008/01/christmas-shrine-to-young-girl.html

For Derrick Rawls- "May G-d bless your soul"

2011-02-14T10:05:00.006-05:00

This vibrant shrine, created in memory of Derrick Rawls, is in a quiet alley in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington DC. It displays colorful testimonials from his friends and family.

From police reports: On Friday, February 4, 2011, at approximately 9:20 pm, units from the Fourth District responded to the 4500 block of 8th Street NW, Washington DC, to investigate reports of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers canvassed the area and located the victim in the alley of the 4500 block of 8th Street, NW, suffering from gunshot wounds and found him to be unconscious and unresponsive. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and determined the victim had no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as Derrick Rawls, 20, of Northwest DC. According to the Washington Post, he was found at about 9:30 p.m. in an alley near the intersection of Allison and 8th Streets NW.

More information on Mr. Rawls on homicidewatch.org

http://homicidewatch.org/category/victims/derrick-rawls

"May G-d bless your soul"

Nicholas Satcher's memorial

2011-02-14T09:42:00.006-05:00

From police reports: On Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at approximately 7:20 pm, units from the Sixth District responded to the 4200 block of Gault Place NE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival on the scene, they located the victim, Nicholas Satcher, 22, of NE, suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

On January 5, 2011, Ronald Page, 58, of Northeast DC was arrested and charged with Murder One while Armed.

This shrine was in a small park in the 4400 block of Grant Street NE, about 2 blocks from the house where Mr. Satcher was killed. I spoke with two of his friends at the site, who had participated in creating the shrine and taken place in a vigil.

Some information on the vigil is on homicidewatch.org

http://homicidewatch.org/2011/01/09/vigil-tonight-for-nicholas-satcher/

Double Homicide- shrine for Rashid Paul and D'Angelo Thompson

2011-02-14T09:32:00.003-05:00

From police reports: On Sunday, January 23, 2011, at approximately 7:00 pm, units from the Fourth District responded to the 6000 block of New Hampshire Avenue NE, Washington DC, for the sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, officers canvassed the area and located two victims inside a vehicle in the 100 block of Peabody Street NE. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and determined neither victim had any signs consistent with life. The decedents have been identified as Rashid Paul, 26, of Northwest DC, and D’Angelo Thompson, 27, of Northeast DC.

This small sad shrine affected me. All of them do. Peace to their families.

More information is at the always excellent site, homicidewatch.org

http://homicidewatch.org/category/victims/rashid-paul/

Shrine on St. Barnabus Road, Temple Hills MD to Clifton Turner

2011-02-14T09:19:00.004-05:00

From police reports: At approximately 12:43 am January 4, 2011, patrol officers responded to the 3900 block of Bexley Place, Temple Hills, Maryland, after receiving a call for a shooting in the parking lot of the Upscale Ballroom. Upon arrival, officers found Clifton Antion Turner, 42, of Laurel, Maryland, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on scene. Detectives are currently working to identify a suspect(s) and establish a motive in this case.

I believe this shrine is to Mr. Turner, but am not 100% certain. It is very near the small road leading to the Upscale Ballroom's parking lot. PG County has been experiencing a terrible streak of violence this winter. I pray for a blossoming of peace in the community, and wisdom.

Of note, from the website GoryPG

·Shot at the "Upscale Ballroom" nearby murders: ca. 300 feet, Abraham Isaiah Bell, 23, was shot at the nearest intersection, 1/23/06; ca. 1/5 mile, Van Johnson, 28, was shot during a running gun battle on Branch Avenue, 9/24/08; ca. 1/4 mile, Lakita Danielle Tolson was shot at an unlicensed club, 11/5/05; ca. 1/3 mile, Deangelo Kevin Alston, 19, was shot nearby, 11/9/08.
http://gorypg.blogspot.com

Billy Mitchell- shrine in the snow

2011-01-31T08:30:00.004-05:00

From DC police reports: On Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at approximately 11:00 pm, units from the Fifth District responded to the intersection of North Capitol Street and Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC, for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Prior to their arrival a First District Unit was flagged down by a citizen and advised of a shooting victim on this corner. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The decedent is identified as William Mitchel, 33, of Northwest DC.

The Washington Post reports that he may have been killed while assisting someone else in trouble, and refers to him as a "Good Samaritan."

This memorial is nearly in sight with the US Capitol Dome, less than a mile away.

Sad.

Extensive reporting on Mr. Mitchell's situation on the always excellent and meaningful site, Homicide Watch:
http://homicidewatch.org

Flowers for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords / Tucson AZ shooting victims / US Capitol

2011-01-16T21:29:00.006-05:00

There is a display of flowers and other items on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington DC, in honor of, and conveying healing prayers for, the victims of the mass shooting attack on January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head by an assailant, and, blessedly, continues to recover from her potentially fatal wound.

From Wikipedia:
Six people were killed in the attack. They include: Christina-Taylor Green, 9; Dorothy "Dot" Morris, 76; John Roll, 63, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for Arizona; Phyllis Schneck, 79; Dorwan Stoddard, 76; and Gabriel "Gabe" Zimmerman, 30, community outreach director for Rep. Giffords.

Thirteen people were wounded in the attack; a fourteenth person was determined not to have been injured by gunfire. Gabrielle Giffords and two other members of her staff were among the surviving gunshot victims.

See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Tucson_shooting

Peace... with every breath we take... peace.

Corteza Warren Livingston- crime tape and a bullet shell

2011-01-16T21:19:00.003-05:00

From press reports: A man was shot and killed late Saturday January 8, 2011, in Prince Georges County's second homicide of the day. That killing was the ninth reported in the county since the New Year began. Police identified the victim of the late Saturday killing as Corteza Warren Livingston, 21, of the 3100 block of Dynasty Drive in the Forestville area. Livingston was found with a gunshot wound on the block where he lived. It was not clear Sunday whether the shooting occurred in his home. Police said a 24-year-old man, who also was apparently shot in the same incident, was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening. Police said they think the incident stemmed from a personal dispute. Officers said they were searching for suspects and trying to determine a motive.

I was a bit surprised to find a spent bullet shell casing just a few feet from the crime scene tape. I promptly reported it to PG police's homicide unit, who were appreciative, and said they would soon send a detail to retrieve this possible evidence. It has been a very difficult- and sadly busy- two weeks for them in trying to maintain peace and obtain justice in the community.

Metro crash shrine

2011-01-16T20:58:00.004-05:00

On June 21, 2009, nine people were killed in the worst subway accident in Washington DC's Metropolitan Area Transit Authority history. This memorial to the Metro crash victims endures in the 5800 Block of New Hampshire Avenue NE, Washington, DC. It is on a bridge crossing the Metro tracks near the fatal crash site.

Killed that day were the driver of the train, Jeanice McMillan, 42, of Springfield, Virginia; Retired Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr., former commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, and his wife, Ann, both 62; Mary Doolittle, 59; Lavanda King, 23; Veronica Dubose, 26; Cameron Williams, 36; and Dennis Hawkins, 64, all of Washington; and Ana Fernandez, 40, of Hyattsville, Maryland.

Most prominently visible on the remaining shrine are mementos for Ms. Dubose, Ms. McMillan, and Ms. King.

An official brass plaque was installed in all their memories at a nearby station stop.

RIP Fonks

2011-01-16T20:52:00.002-05:00

I found this RIP graffiti tag in the same alley where Ebony Franklin was killed. I could find no additional information on who Fonks was.

FYI: The tag is not in the Trinidad section of the city.

Bears for Bryant Morillo; New Hampshire Ave NW

2011-01-13T12:42:00.004-05:00

From a DC police report:
On Sunday, January 2, 2011, at approximately 1:30 pm, units from the Fourth District responded to the 4500 block of New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival on the scene, they located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both subjects were transported to a local hospital where one of the victims succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The decedent is identified as Bryant Morillo, 16, of Hyattsville, MD.

I spoke with two people at the site, a bus stop in a generally quiet part of the city. One, on older man named Arthur, built the shrine; the other, Sharon, had watched as her daughter ran to the scene of the shooting and attempt to give CPR. She told me that the other person shot was Bryant Morillo's cousin. Sharon said seven shots were fired that night.

Peace peace peace... a steady prayer, in the Creator's purpose.

Michael DeAngelo Layne - street memorial

2011-01-13T12:32:00.004-05:00

From a PG police report: On January 4, 2011 at approximately 11:43 p.m., Prince George’s County Police officers responded to the 4000 block of Norcross Street in Hillcrest Heights Maryland, for a report of a shooting. When patrol officers arrived, they discovered Michael DeAngelo Layne, 19, of Temple Hills, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

I have been contacted by Mr. Layne's mother, who informed me that her son "was not transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead of a gunshot wound.
He was grazed in the chest by a bullet that did not puncture or enter his body and he had a heart attack."

According to the police report, another 21 year-old male was transported to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. A second 21 year-old and an 18 year-old were also transported for non-life threatening injuries. They were transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The investigation is still ongoing while detectives continue to search for a suspect(s) and establish a motive.

There has been a terrible streak of slaughter occurring in PG County of late. This is the only shrine I have encountered there this winter.

I wish Mr. Layne's mother, and his entire family, every strength, healing, peace, and uplifting memories of their loved one.

For more information on the violent situation in the County, see:
http://gorypg.blogspot.com

Site of James Pone's passage; 700 block of Brandywine Street SE

2011-01-13T12:25:00.003-05:00

I encountered this crime scene tape in an alley behind the 700 block of Brandywine Street SE.

From a DC police report: On Tuesday, December 21, 2010, at approximately 9:00 pm, units from the Seventh District responded to the 700 block of Brandywine Street SE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located a victim, James Pone, 30, of SE, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS the victim to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Duffie Claridy's shrine on South Capitol Street

2011-01-13T11:56:00.003-05:00

From the Washington Post and police reports:
Duffie Claridy, 71, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, was found by authorities on the 2900 block of South Capitol Street SW, Washington DC, at about 1 am on November 8, 2010. He had been fatally struck by a car that did not stop at the traffic crash site. Police have charged Michael Glover with negligent homicide in the pedestrian accident death.

"He was a loving person," his daughter Sylvia Claridy said of her father, adding, "He loved his kids and his grandkids." Duffie Claridy had a "huge family," including brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She said he had retired a few years ago from 35 years of work at the Westchester apartments in Northwest. He frequently took walks, and when he did not come back in a fixed time, family members went to look for him.
The place where he was found Monday morning is about half a dozen miles from his home, and he did not usually go that far, his daughter said, speculating that someone might have given him a ride.

An eyewitness to the accident aided police in the arrest of Mr. Glover for negligent homicide.

Memorial for Rajeshkumar Patel / Pray of God

2010-12-28T11:46:00.006-05:00

From DC Police reports: On Saturday, December 18, 2010, at approximately 6:40 pm, units from the Fifth District responded to the 3600 block of 12th Street NE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported Rajeshkumar Patel, 46, of Bowie, MD, to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

I talked to several people at the Mr. Patel's shrine. He was very well-liked and respected. A few expressed that they hoped his murderer is brought to justice soon.

This shrine deeply affected me. My own grandfather, Henry Intrator, z'l, also had run a small store in New York, and like Mr. Patel, was a well-regarded, friendly, hard-working family man.

Adapted from from the Washington Post:
Mr. Patel, 46, did not get home Saturday night. Two men in ski masks robbed his shop, the Newton Foodmart in Brookland, just after 6:30 p.m. and shot him in the chest. The gunmen stole cash and fled before police officers arrived.

Mournful neighbors and fellow shopkeepers gathered
outside the closed store. A man who identified himself as M. Patel's nephew said that Patel had been in the back of the store when the robbers arrived and accosted his wife and son, ordering them down on the floor. One of the thieves shot Patel as he emerged from a storage room, the nephew said. "My uncle had no idea the robbery was happening," said the nephew, who declined to identify himself for fear of retribution. "He walked out, and the guy fired at him and ran off."

D.C. police are offering up to $25,000 to anyone with information that leads to an arrest. They were looking for two suspects; one wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a black patch on the hat and another who wore a black hooded sweatshirt. Both men were armed with silver handguns.

The DC tipline phone number is: 1-888-919-2746

Pray of God.

James Campbell's memorial on Southern Avenue SE

2010-12-28T11:38:00.004-05:00

This shrine was created on the front stoop of 2924 Southern Avenue SE, Washington DC.

From DC police reports: On Sunday, December 12, 2010, at approximately 7:50 pm, units from the Seventh District responded to the 2900 block of Southern Avenue SE, for the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they located the victim James Campbell, 25, of Bladensburg, MD, in front of the location suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported him to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

There were several middle school aged girls waiting for the bus at a stop in front of this dwelling. I gently explained what I was doing, and they quietly observed as I documented the site.

Resting place, and hopefully, now, some relief from the hard burdens of life.

Scott Staten / Spongebob and candles in the alley

2010-12-28T11:34:00.002-05:00

From DC police reports: On December 8, 2010, at approximately 8:30 am units from the First District responded to the 1300 block of Half Street SW, Washington DC, to investigate the call for a man down. Upon arrival they discovered a male victim, Scott Staten, 17, of Southeast, suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded and did not find any signs of life. The victim was subsequently pronounced dead on the scene/

I have documented several shrines in nearby alleys over the years. It is just a couple of blocks from the new Nationals baseball stadium. The young man I mentored, Dion Johnson, lived for some time in this neighborhood in the 1990's.

To young Mr. Staten's family; a prayer for peace.

For Prince Okurie / Delafield Place NW

2010-12-05T13:09:00.002-05:00

From police and press reports: On Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at approximately 4:20 pm, units from the Fourth District responded to the 800 block of Delafield Place NW, Washington DC, to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival they located a victim, Prince Okorie, 16, suffering from gunshot wounds to his head and not breathing. He was transported the victim to a local area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A witness told police that three young males fled the scene on foot, but it was not clear whether they were involved with the shooting. It was not immediately known what led to the murder.

For Ebony Franklin / Fairmont Street NW

2010-12-05T13:01:00.005-05:00

From news and press reports: On Monday, November 29, 2010, shortly after 1:00 pm, units from the Third District were dispatched to the rear of the 1000 block of Fairmont Street NW, Washington DC, to investigate the report of an unconscious female. Upon arrival, the units discovered the unconscious female in the alley. DC Fire and EMS determined that death was apparent. The victim, Ebony Franklin, 17, of Capitol Heights MD, was pronounced dead on the scene and transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who ruled the manner of death a homicide.

D.C. police have stated the girl whose body was found stuffed in a trash can on Monday was stabbed to death. The girl's mother said Ebony disappeared Friday night while in transit from her home in Capitol Heights to her father's home in D.C. The mother said Ebony had attended Northwestern High School in Hyattsville but recently transferred to Cardozo High School after she moved in with her father. Police have reported on community listservs that she was not a Cardozo student.

Very sad situation. I hope her family finds peace, and justice is served on whoever took this young woman's life.

Update:
I revisited this site on January 14, 2011. There was some evidence that a shrine had been built; I photographed the few remnants of it. A description of the memorial to Ms. Franklin was published in Sojourners magazine, along with a moving and thoughtful reflection.
See:
http://tinyurl.com/sojournersshrine

Ali Ahmed Mohammed: Shrine remnants at DC9

2010-12-05T12:43:00.003-05:00

From police reports: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announced today that five people have been arrested in connection with a death that occurred earlier this morning at the DC9 nightclub, 1940 9th St. NW, Washington DC..

On Friday, October 15, 2010, at approximately 2:35 am members of the Third District were dispatched for an assault in the 2000 block of 9th Street NW. Upon their arrival, they discovered a male victim on the ground. Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded and transported the victim to Howard University Hospital where life saving efforts were unsuccessful. The victim was pronounced dead at approximately 3:15 am. The decedent’s remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The victim has been identified as Ali Ahmed Mohammed, 27 of Silver Spring, Md.

Investigation revealed that the decedent had been involved in a confrontation with employees of DC9 that lead to a struggle that rendered the decedent unconscious and unresponsive.

The suspects were placed under arrest and have been transported to the Homicide Branch.
The defendants are identified as 20-year-old Darryl Carter, Jr. of Northeast, DC; 22-year-old Reginald Phillips of Northwest, DC; 28-year-old Evan Preller of Northwest, DC, 46-year-old William Spieler of Northwest, DC; and 25-year-old Arthur Zaloca of Silver Spring, Md. All five defendants were booked on Murder Two charges.

So far as I understand, they were released without charges, and the autopsy results are still pending. The nightclub is scheduled to re-open in mid December, after being ordered closed by Chief Lanier.

I only found these small remnants of burned candle wax at the site. Though I looked for a shrine at the time, it was not up the day I scouted. I suspect the nightclub owners had it removed quickly. Melanie Moore, a GWU anthropology student, alerted me to a photo of the shrine on the excellent Prince of Petworth blog. A photo and much fuller story can be seen there.

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2010/12/dc9-club-can-re-open-dec-15th

Shrine in the 1400 block of U Street NW

2010-12-05T12:36:00.003-05:00

I am not certain who this small shrine commemorates in the 1400 block of U Street NW, Washington DC, but I believe it is for Jamal Coates. There was quite a bit of press about this situation at the time.

In any case; Memory and peace to all.

From police reports: On Tuesday, September 28, 2010, shortly after 12:00 pm, a shooting occurred in the 1900 block of 13th Street NW Washington DC. The investigation revealed that the vehicle that was fired upon fled the scene of the shooting and entered the 1100 block of U Street, NW, where it was involved in a collision with two other vehicles and overturned. Two occupants of the overturned vehicle were struck by gunfire. DC Fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene. The surviving victim was transported to an area hospital. The second victim, Jamal Coates, 21, of the 1400 block of Spring Road, NW, did not show any signs consistent with life and was pronounced dead on the scene by the Office of The Chief Medical Examiner.

Kevin Willis RIP

2010-12-01T22:49:00.001-05:00

From DC police reports: On Saturday, November 6, 2010, at approximately 3:30 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the Unit block of N Street NW, Washington DC, for the report of a stabbing. Upon their arrival they located a victim, Kevin Willis, 19, of NE Washington, suffering from stab wounds. The investigation revealed that the stabbing occurred in the Unit block of Hanover Place, NW. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he was admitted. On November 22, 2010, Mr. Wilis succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

I found this police tape both in an alley behind Hanover Place, and on a guardrail on busy North Capitol Street a few paces away. The Capitol dome was dimly visible in the mist a mile or so in the distance if you walked a few feet from the railing.

All kinds of monuments in this city...

Keith Banks - police tape in a park

2010-11-26T09:20:00.002-05:00

From DC Police reports: On Friday, November 12, 2010, at approximately 3:00 am, units from the Fourth District were dispatched to investigate the report of sounds of gunshots at the intersection of 12th Street and Crittenden Street NE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, a canvas of the surrounding area led the units to the 1100 block of Galloway Street NE, where they discovered the victim. Keith Banks, 29, of the 300 block of Quackenbos Street NW, was unconscious, unresponsive, and found to be suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported him to a local area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

This murder site is in a lovely park in an area of the city that is generally very safe. I had not been to this neighborhood before while documenting street memorials.

Shalom.

Jamal Wilson's street memorial

2010-11-26T09:09:00.005-05:00

From DC Police reports: On Sunday, November 14, 2010, at approximately 12:30 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the unit block of P Street NW, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival they located Jamal Wilson, 19, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported him to a local area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
On Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at 2:40 pm, Kwan Kearney, 19, of Northeast DC, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed in the shooting death of Mr. Wilson.

A neighbor told me this shrine is about 1/2 block from where the shooting actually occurred, and that the street had generally been quiet of late, prior to this sad incident.

A small observation- while I have seen favorite foods displayed/offered at several shrines, it was interesting to see this can of string beans.

Peace, peace, peace.

Big Weed - many libations for Marquis Wade

2010-11-14T17:24:00.007-05:00

From police reports: At approximately 8:46 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2010, officers from the 7th District responded to the 300 block of Parkland Place SE, Washington DC. to investigate the report of a shooting, Upon arrival, they located an adult male lying on the sidewalk at that location suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, Marquis Wade, 20, of the 300 block of Parkland Place, SE was transported to an area hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

I was shown this bottle shrine by some girls who lived nearby. I met a very positive young man, Ken, at the site, who was related to Marquis by marriage. We had a long discussion about the nature of the neighborhood, its effects on people, and efforts to try to clean things up physically, spiritually, and economically.

I visited this memorial a second time, with researcher Melanie Moore of GWU, and spoke to other neighbors and relatives. They said he was a good dude, loved Heineken, was known to all as "Big Weed," and left four small children fatherless in his life's wake. The shrine has been taken down and rebuilt a couple of times, and some visit and drink and pour libations daily.

Murder... the miserable inverse of Creation, and the Creator's purpose.

Selah.

Note: The spot where he died is documented at:
http://dcshrines.blogspot.com/2010/04/marquis-wades-last-spot-on-earth.html