Angels in the architecture: Memorial for Margaret McKinnon, Ronald McKinnon, and Jessica Cunningham | 400 block of 23rd Street SE DC

From a DC Police Report. The Metropolitan Police Department announces an arrest in an arson that left three people dead. On Sunday, October 6, 2024, at approximately 5:30 a.m., officers and members of DC Fire and EMS responded for a structure fire in the 3400 block of 23rd Street SE, Washington DC. Firefighters extinguished the fire and rescued an adult female resident who was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. On Monday, October 7, 2024, she succumbed to her injuries. Two additional victims, an adult male and an adult female, were located deceased inside the residence.
The decedents have been identified as 85-year-old Margaret McKinnon, 64-year-old Ronald McKinnon and 34-year-old Jessica Cunningham, all of Southeast.
The investigation revealed the presence of an accelerant both inside and outside of the residence and it was determined the fire was intentionally set. Officers canvassed the area and located a suspect nearby and placed him under arrest.
As a result of the investigation by MPD detectives and members of DC Fire and EMS’ Fire Investigation Unit, 56-year-old Robert Simpson, of Southeast, was charged with three counts of Felony Murder, Arson, and Felony Threats. The detectives’ investigation revealed the suspect was previously in a domestic relationship with the 34-year-old female decedent. 

May they all have eternal rest.

"I'm Sleep. Don't Shoot" - Memorials for Justin Robinson | 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue and the 500 block of Parkland Place SE

 There are two shrines that have been erected to honor Justin Robinson; one outside the McDonald's restaurant on Marion Barry Avenue and the other larger one in the 500 block of Parkland Place, both in SE DC.

 There has been considerable controversy and vigorous protests against the police regarding the situation in which he was slain. This Washington Post article has coverage of the situation, including the protests.

 From a DC Police report: Agents from the Force Investigations Team of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue SE, Washington DC.
On Sunday, September 1, 2024, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Seventh District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a crash. Responding officers observed a vehicle struck the side of a commercial building, causing minor damage. The driver was still inside the vehicle unresponsive, and officers observed a firearm inside the vehicle. Officers immediately called for additional officers to respond to the scene. A short time later the suspect began moving inside the vehicle. Officers observed a weapon in the suspect’s possession and gave verbal commands to drop the weapon. As the officers approached the suspect with their service weapons drawn, the suspect grabbed one of the officer’s service weapons. At that time, two officers discharged their service weapons, striking the suspect. DC Fire and EMS were already on the scene and immediately began rendering care. After all lifesaving measures failed, the suspect succumbed to his injuries. The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Justin Robinson, of Southeast, DC. The suspect’s weapon was recovered on the scene

A tragic situation. May all be spared further grief.

Bottle shrine for Mr. Herbert Jones | 5100 block of Sheriff Road NE DC

From a DC Police Report: On Monday, September 2, 2024, at approximately 6:42 a.m., officers responded to a call for a man down in the 5100 block of Sheriff Road NE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The male was pronounced dead on the scene. The decedent has been identified as 51-year-old Herbert Jones of Northeast, DC

RIP

Marking the spot where Najee Dickens was slain | Trinidad and Queen Streets NE DC

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, October 5, 2024, at approximately 2:06 a.m., Fifth District officers responded to the intersection of Trinidad and Queen Streets NE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located three adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds in the rear of the 1600 block of Trinidad Avenue, Northeast. One of the victims succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The other two victims, an adult male and an adult female sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as 33-year-old Najee Dickens of Northeast, DC.  

Rest In Peace.

For Micheal Buie | 300 block of Delafield Place NW DC

There were many of these reward posters for information about the slaying of Mr. Buie placed on cars in the block where he perished.

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, October 19, 2024, at approximately 1:15 a.m., members of the Fourth District responded to the 300 block of Delafield Place NW, Washington DC, for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, the members located an adult male suffering from apparent stab wounds inside of building. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel also responded. After all lifesaving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead on the scene. The victim has been identified as 46-year-old Micheal Buie, of no fixed address. 

May justice be served.

Shrine for “Flip” | 500 block of Parkland Place SE DC

This shrine to “Flip” is in the 500 block of Parkland Place SE, Washington DC. I learned of it from one of his nephews. I have no further solid information.

I expect it is this case. From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in the 500 block of Parkland Place, Southeast. At approximately 12:18 am, Seventh District officers responded to the 3000 block of Martin Luther King, Jr Avenue, Southeast, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male shooting victim in the 500 block of Parkland Place, Southeast. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life, the victim remained on the scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. During the investigation, a second adult male shooting victim was located at a local hospital receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as 40-year-old Michael Cary, of Northwest, DC

May he rest in peace.

Shrine to the life of Mamta Kafle Bhatt | Heather Ct, Manassas Park VA

This large and emotionally-touching memorial is to honor and mourn Mamta Kafle Bhatt

From InsideNova: Naresh Bhatt has been charged with concealing a dead body in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Ashworth said... Weeks after Mamta Kafle Bhatt was last seen, Manassas Park police on Thursday morning arrested her husband and took away the couple's 1-year-old daughter, who had been in his care. During last night's search, Ashworth said police "obtained additional evidence." "After consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, detectives arrested Naresh Datt Bhatt in connection with her disappearance," Ashworth said in a release. Mamta’s daughter was placed in the care of the Department of Social Services. "The child is safe and being cared for by an appropriate care giver approved by the Department of Social Services and Manassas Park Police Department," the release said. Ashworth said authorities are pursuing additional leads that "may result in additional charges being brought." Mamta Kafle Bhatt has not been located...

Bhatt was held without bond at the jail. He will be arraigned in Prince William Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The arrest follows three weeks of searching for the 28-year-old pediatric nurse and first-time mother, who was last seen in late July. Police were called to the couple's home on Heather Court on Aug. 2 for a welfare check when Mamta Bhatt did not show for her shift at UVA Prince William Medical Center in Manassas. At the time, Naresh Bhatt did not want to report his wife missing, police said. Bhatt's family and friends last heard from her on July 28. Friends, family and the Nepalese community rallied in the aftermath of her disappearance, organizing searches, handing out flyers and keeping pressure on police.

Bhatt's daughter, who turned 1 on Tuesday, was carried out of the house by someone who appeared to be a police detective... Nadia Navarro, a close friend and former roommate of Bhatt's who spearheaded community efforts to find her, said Thursday morning on Facebook she would do everything she can to keep the baby out of foster care. Ivy Freeman, a neighbor of the Bhatts, told reporters outside her home she’s glad the Bhatt’s child has been taken away from the father. “A mother wouldn’t leave her baby, definitely when her baby’s first …,” a choked-up Freeman said. “Very tragic, very sad story,” she said. “I really hope that they find her … for her family. They need her to have closure."

A peace prayer vigil with a Nepalese mantra was held by the community.

The court case is viewable online here.

Shrine to an unknown child #2 | 3700 block of 1st Street SE DC

This shrine to an unknown child is in the 3700 block of 1st Street SE, Washington DC.

It is within sight of another shrine to a different child who died in the same block.

I have been unable to learn the identity of the two children. I was told by a local resident that each shrine is for a murdered child,. They are very close to one another. According to the woman I spoke with, these shrines have existed for a while. The neighbor I spoke to had also lost her twin brother to gun violence in November 2023, near Eastover Shopping Center.

I wish peace and justice for all who grieve.

Shrine to an unknown child #1 | 3700 block of 1st Street SE DC

This shrine to an unknown child is in the 3700 block of 1st Street SE, Washington DC.

It has been there for some time, and is within sight of a another shrine to a different child who died in the same block.

I have been unable to learn the identity of the children. I was told by a local resident that each shrine is for a murdered child, very close to one another. According to the woman I spoke with, these shrines have existed for a while. The neighbor I spoke to had also lost her twin brother to gun violence in November 2023, near Eastover Shopping Center.

I wish peace and justice for all who grieve.

Washington Monuments: Site of the slayings of Antonio Williams and Terrell Osbourne Jr. | unit block M Street NE DC

From a DC Police report: The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal Northeast shooting that left two people dead and two injured. On Saturday morning at approximately 1:06 a.m., officers were near the unit block of M Street, NE, Washington DC, when they heard gunshots. They immediately responded and located four victims with gunshot wound injuries. Two men were pronounced dead at the scene. A man and a woman were transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The decedents were identified as 33-year-old Antonio Williams, of Capitol Heights, MD, and 18-year-old Terrell Osbourne Jr., of Northwest. https://mpdc.dc.gov/release/mpd-investigating-fatal-northeast-shooting-4

This sad pair of killings occurred within sight of the US Capitol. 

Police tape at the site of Martinez Robinson's passing | 1300 block of Girard Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: On Friday, August 23, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Girard Street NW, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Despite all lifesaving efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 25-year-old Martinez Robinson of Waldorf, MD. 

RIP.

Michael Simpson's street memorial | 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue NE DC

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, August 24, 2024, at approximately 5:39 p.m. officers responded to the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue NE, Washington DC on the report of a shooting. Once on scene officers located an adult male not conscious and not breathing suffering from apparent gunshot injuries. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. On Sunday, August 25, 2024, despite all lifesaving efforts the victim succumbed to his injuries. The decedent has been identified as 49-year-old Michael Simpson, of Northeast, D.C. 

This shrine to Mr. Simpson is in  a Citgo gas station parking lot in the busy Minnesota Avenue corridor.

Site of Vonte Martin's passing | 3000 block of Stanton Road SE DC

From a DC Police report:  On Monday, August 19, 2024, at approximately 8:25 p.m., officers responded for a report of a shooting in the 3000 block of Stanton Road SE, Washington DC. Upon arrival officers located two gunshot victims. One adult male died at the scene. The second victim was an adult male transported by DC Fire and EMS to an area hospital for treatment. The decedent has been identified as 19-year-old Vonte Martin of Southeast, D.C 

RIP

In memory of the life of Michael Sturgent Morris | 1800 block of Providence Street NE DC

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, June 29, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Providence Street NE, Washington DC,, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located the victim inside of a residence. He died at the scene. The decedent has been identified as 45-year-old Michael Sturgent Morris, of Northeast. 

Rest in Peace.

Candle shrine for Danzell Hall | 1500 block of Benning Road NE DC

From a DC Police report: On Friday, July 12, 2024, at approximately 2:52 a.m., members of the Fifth District responded to the report of a shooting in the 1500 block of Benning Road NE, Washington DC. Officers located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, the man was pronounced dead on scene. The victim has been identified as 26-year-old Danzell Hall, of Northeast, DC. 

This small park at the corner of Benning Road and H Street NE has had quite a number of shrines built to those who lost their lives in the vicinity. May their loved ones and the community be spared further grief. 

In honor of the life of Ambria Farmer | 3300 block of Fort DuPont Drive SE DC

From a DC Police report: The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Fort Dupont Park. On Saturday, July 13, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., members of the Sixth District responded to the report of an unconscious person in the park area near the 3300 block of Fort DuPont Drive SE, Washington DC. Officers located a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, the victim was pronounced dead on scene. The decedent has been identified as 21-year-old Ambria Farmer of District Heights, MD. 

May she and her loved ones know peace.

Street shrine for Alfred Fields | 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace SE DC

From a DC Police report: On Monday, July 1, 2024, at approximately 6:44 p.m., officers responded to the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace SE, Washington DC, for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim in the street suffering from stab wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where despite all life-saving efforts he died from his injuries. The decedent has been identified as 55-year-old Alfred Fields, of no fixed address. 

This neighborhood has been challenged by a a wave of violence in recent times. I pray that wiser hearts bring a situation of calm, peace, and safety.

In memory of Dwayne Boyd | 3500 block of East Capitol Street SE DC

 

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 8:06 p.m., officers responded to the 3500 block of East Capitol Street SE, Washington DC, for the report of an assault. When they arrived, they found a man with multiple stab wounds. He died at the scene. The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd, of no fixed address. On Sunday, June 23, 2024, 32-year-old Vanessa Bonaparte, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed. The detectives’ investigation determined that this offense was domestic in nature.

May justice & peace prevail.