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.

Flowers for Kaan Demir | 800 block of Underwood Street NW DC

 

From a DC Police report: On Sunday, June 9, 2024, at approximately 11:36 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of Underwood Street NW, Washington DC, for the report of sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located a man with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene. The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Kaan Demir, of Springfield, VA.

May he rest in peace.

Site of the slaying of Raymond Washington | 700 block of Missouri Avenue NW DC

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, June 30, 2024, at approximately 4:17 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of Missouri Avenue NW, Washington DC, for the sounds of gunshots. Officers canvased the 5700 block of 7th Street, Northwest, where they located an adult male shooting victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. After all lifesaving efforts failed, he was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 18-year-old Raymond Washington of Northeast.

RIP

Memorial for Naheem Worley | 1300 block of Congress Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at approximately 12:40 a.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Congress Street SE, Washington DC, for the report of sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot injuries. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after finding no signs of life, the victim was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as 19-year-old Naheem Worley of Upper Marlboro, MD.

May his soul and the hearts of his loved ones be at peace.

Shrine for Mr. Larry Kiser | 2600 block of Bladensburg Road NE DC - "We will miss you dearly"

From a DC Police report: On Sunday, April 28, 2024, at approximately 11:35 a.m., Fifth District officers responded to the 2600 block of Bladensburg Road NE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died. The victim has been identified as 72-year-old Larry Kiser, of Northwest. 

This touching memorial erected in honor of Mr. Kiser is notable in that it is for an older man who was slain, and for the sensitivity of the objects left at the shrine, including a King James Bible. 

May he rest in peace.

In memory of the life of Tyah Settles - a three years old child | 2300 block of Hartford Street SE DC

This one hurt especially. My prayers to the family of little Ms. Ty'ah Settles. May her innocent soul know rest and her family and community be spared further grief. 

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch Major Case Squad are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Southeast. On Friday, May 3, 2024, at approximately 9:10 p.m., Seventh District officers responded to the 2300 block of Hartford Street SE, Washington DC,  for the sounds of gunshots. A short time later, a 3-year-old female was located at a nearby fire station in the 2400 block of Irving Street SE suffering from a gunshot wound. MPD Officers and members of DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services rendered aid to the child until she was airlifted by United States Park Police to a local hospital. Despite all life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead. The detective’s preliminary investigation revealed the child was inside of a vehicle in the 2300 block of Hartford Street SE at the time of the shooting. The victim has been identified as 3-year-old Ty’ah Settles, of Southeast, DC.

A $50,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her killers.

This shrine is still in the process of being built, and additional vigils are being scheduled to honor the child and to support her family. 

There is considerably more information about this tragic situation in the Washington Post.