"You Are Not Alone" - Jefferson Luna-Perez | 4300 block of 13th Street NW DC

Jefferson Luna-Perez, 17. recently was slain just outside of Roosevelt High School in Washington DC. 

These banners of support were erected across the street from the high school, in front of Dorothy Height Elementary School.

May the school community and the family of young Mr, Luna-Perez be spared further grief, and know peace.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in the 4300 block of 13th Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 2:24 pm, Fourth District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male shooting victim, unconscious and unresponsive. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 17-year-old Jefferson Luna-Perez, of Northwest, DC.

There is more information on this sad situation in an article in the Washington Post.

Deandre Holmes street shrine | 1500 block Kearny Street NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Thursday, March 30, 2023, in the 1500 block of Kearny Street NE, Washington DC. At approximately 9:46 pm, Fifth District officers responded to the listed location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male shooting victim. 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. The decedent has been identified as 36-year-old Deandre Holmes, of Northeast, DC.

This large graphic memorial to Mr. Holmes is in a usually quiet street in the Brookland neighborhood of DC. May his spirit and his community know peace.

In honor of Dajuan Blakney | 500 Block 19th Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, April 21, 2023, in the 1500 Block of 19th Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 12:11 am, while in route to a call for service, Sixth District officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds at the listed location. 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. The decedent has been identified as 32-year-old Dajuan Blakney, of Southeast, DC.  

This large and creative shrine in memory of Mr. Blakney is in the entrance to an apartment building. Sadly, there are three other memorials within sight of this one. May all rest in peace and honor.

Street shrine for Deandre Wheeler | 4200 block 4th Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Thursday, April 27, 2023, in the 4200 block of 4th Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 10:19 pm, Seventh District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. 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. The decedent has been identified as 27-year-old Deandre Wheeler, of Southeast, DC.

I spoke to a gentleman at this site who said Mr. Wheeler was his nephew, and that one of his nieces had been killed just across the street some time back, I asked how the family was doing and he replied sadly "We have to cope with it."

I have photographed numerous memorials to homicide victims in this block, including recently.  I wish the people who live in the community an increase in safety, calm, and peace.

In memory of John Coleman | 2000 block M Street. NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday, May 1, 2023, in the 2000 block of M Street. NE, Washington DC.  At approximately 12:26 pm, Fifth District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. 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. The decedent has been identified as 34-year-old John Coleman, of Northeast, DC. 

Peace, peace, peace.

Memorial for Calvin Gray | 1300 block V Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in the 1300 block of V Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 1:50 am, Third District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male shooting victim. 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. The decedent has been identified as Calvin Gray, of District Heights, MD. 

RIP

Police tape / Andre Wallace, Jr., | 1600 block Benning Road NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in the 1600 block of Benning Road NE, Washington DC. At approximately 6:07 pm, Fifth District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male shooting victim inside of an establishment. 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. The decedent has been identified as 19-year-old Andre Wallace, Jr., of Northeast, DC.

There have been numerous shrines in this area over the years, adjacent to Hechinger Mall. 

May the families and community be spared further grief.

 

RIP Mylaki Young | 200 block V Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch seek the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle in a homicide that occurred on Friday, April 14, 2023, in the 200 block of V Street NW, Washington, DC. At approximately 2:47 am, Third District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male shooting victim inside of residence. 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. The decedent has been identified as 16-year-old Mylaki Young, of Northwest, DC. The suspect’s vehicle is described as a brown 2013 Lincoln MKX, four door SUV, with DC tags bearing “DOMINGA”. The vehicle was captured by a nearby surveillance camera. 

Increase the Peace. 

Vigil in honor of the life of Brandon Johnson | Lot 8, RFK Stadium / 2500 Independence Ave SE DC

The family and friends of Brandon Johnson, AKA "Darth Hooligan" gathered in a vigil to honor and remember his life. Stories were told, laughs and tears shared, candles lit in his honor, and balloons released to reach the heavens. 

I have a personal connection to this. I had known Brandon since he was about six years old. I mentored his older brother Dion Johnson in photography through the Streets to Skills program headed by Ella McCall Haygen, and have stayed in close touch with the family over the past three decades.

Thanks to Kim and Charnee Johnson for organizing the vigil, and my wishes for peace, harmony, and justice for the whole family. May Brandon's memory ever be for a blessing, and the family be spared any further grief.

Brandon was killed by a hit and run driver, who has not been apprehended. Details are on the DC Police website, here. The bright green Dodge Challenger that struck him has not yet been found. Please turn in any leads to the DC police, so that justice can be served.

Photo of Brandon Johnson by his brother Dion Johnson, early 1990's. 

Vigil site for Dalaneo Martin | 300 block of 36th Street NE DC

These photographs were made at the site of a vigil for Dalaneo Martin, who was shot by a US Park Police officer at this location. Family and supporters held a memorial vigil for him, as reported by the Washington Post. Many candles were lit in his memory. An investigation is ongoing.

From a DC Police report: Agents from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Force Investigations Team are investigating a United States Park Police Officer involved shooting incident that occurred on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in the 300 block of 36th Street NE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:51 am, a Sixth District officer responded to the 3400 block of Baker Street, Northeast, for a call of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, an officer located a vehicle that was occupied and running. The officer observed the occupant of the vehicle was asleep and the ignition was punched. The officer determined the vehicle was stolen and then called for additional units over the radio. Additional MPD officers and two US Park Police officers arrived on scene to assist. At approximately 9:30 am, the MPD and USPP officers attempted to remove the occupant from the vehicle. The occupant resisted the officers’ efforts and was able to drive away with a USPP officer inside of the vehicle. The USPP officer discharged his weapon striking the occupant. The vehicle then crashed into a home in the 300 block of 36th Street, Northeast. The USPP officer did not sustain any life threatening injuries. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, the occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead. There were no injuries reported by anyone inside the home. The decedent has been identified as 17-year-old Dalaneo Martin, of Northwest, DC. Following the crash, a firearm was recovered inside of the vehicle. The officer involved shooting incident remains under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.

The family and others are concerned about the outcome and circumstances of this tragic situation

May justice be served. 

Memorial for Charlita Winslow | 1600 block of Q Street SE DC

I encountered this beautifully touching memorial to the life of Charlita Winslow in the 1600 block of Q Street SE, Washington, DC. I was unable to find any information on this situation. 

I wish her eternal rest and healing for her friends & family.

A homicide had occurred recently in the adjacent block (1600 block of 17th Place SE), but there was no memorial visible for that victim,  34-year-old Johnathan Craig, of Lanham, MD.

Thanks to UK artist Gareth Fuller for his support.

Flowers for Kenithy Manns | 1200 block of H Street NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sunday, February 19, 2023, in the 1200 block of H Street NE, Washington DC. At approximately 11:09 pm, First District officers responded to the listed location for the report of disorderly subjects. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and  found no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 32-year-old Kenithy Manns, of Lorton, Virginia.

RIP

Memorial for Dana Faulkner and Abdul Fuller | 2700 block of Bruce Place SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in the 2700 block of Bruce Place SE, Washington DC. At approximately 7:44 pm, Seventh District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two adult males suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The second victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

Shortly after, Seventh District officers responded to the intersection of Wheeler Road and Mississippi Avenue, Southeast, for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Detective’s investigation revealed the victim was in the 2700 block of Bruce Place, Southeast, at the time of the shooting. The decedent has been identified as 23-year-old Dana Faulkner, of Southeast, DC. On Thursday, March 9, 2023, the juvenile male victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 15-year-old Abdul Fuller, of Southeast, DC.

This slaying occurred in the Woodland Terrace neighborhood,

May they and their community know only peace.

Thanks to UK artist Gareth Fuller for his support.

Shrine at a double homicide: David Wright and Nathaniel Howard | 3300 block of D Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announce an arrest has been made in a homicide offense that occurred on Sunday, February 26, 2023, in the 3300 block of D Street, SE, Washington DC. At approximately 1:17 pm, Sixth District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two adult male victims, inside a residence, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The decedents have been identified as 57-year-old David Wright and 54-year-old Nathaniel Howard, both of Southeast, DC. 

As a result of the detectives’ investigation, on Sunday, February 26, 2023, 41-year-old James Jones, of Southeast, DC, was arrested. He was charged with two counts of Second Degree Murder While Armed. A firearm was recovered at the time of his arrest. Detectives’ investigation also revealed the suspect and victims were known to each other.

"Rest in Heavenly Sleep"

Thanks to UK artist Gareth Fuller for his support.

Death of Dodie Perkins | 1400 block of Park Road NW DC

From a DC Police report: Agents from the Force Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating an MPD officer involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, in the 1400 block of Park Road NW, Washington DC. On Monday, February 27, 2023, at approximately 11:32 pm, uniformed officers from the Third District responded to the 1400 block of Park Road NW, for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located several vehicles with flattened tires and evidence of a firearm being discharged. Upon further investigation, it was learned that an assault had taken place and one of the individuals involved in the assault was in possession of a handgun. The individuals involved fled the scene before MPD’s arrival. Officers also reviewed security camera footage from a business that showed the incident, providing them with video evidence and a description for the individuals involved. 

During the initial investigation, at approximately 12:17 am, on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, MPD officers observed an adult male who matched the description of the individual that was in possession of a gun. The officers observed the subject walk towards 14th Street NW, and asked the subject to stop. The subject did not comply and was observed to be in possession of a gun. The subject turned towards the officers and fired the gun in direction of the officers. Two MPD officers discharged their service weapons at the subject in response. The subject then ran towards 14th Street NW and fired additional shots. The officers did not pursue and voiced a description of the suspect over the radio. Additional officers canvassing the area noticed the suspect holding a gun in the 1400 block of Meridian Place NW The suspect ran into an alley and a nearby officer heard a single gunshot. The officer entered the alley and found the suspect deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A witness on scene stated they observed the suspect enter the alley and shoot himself. The decedent has been identified as Dodie Perkins, of Northwest, DC. The subject’s firearm was recovered on the scene. The MPD members involved have been placed on administrative leave, pursuant to MPD policy. Body worn camera footage from this incident is currently under review. 

Thanks to UK artist Gareth Fuller for his support.

Site of the passing of Eugene Smith | 3100 block of Branch Avenue, Temple Hills MD

From a PG County Police report: The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Temple Hills. The victim is 31-year-old Eugene Smith of Washington, D.C. On February 23, 2023, at approximately 11:45 pm, officers responded to the 3100 block of Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, Maryland, for a shooting. Officers located the victim in front of the location suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.  

Mr. Smith lost his life in front of a skating rink. A vigil by his many friends and family was held at the site of his passing. RIP.

Thanks to UK artist Gareth Fuller for his support.

Shrine for Kevin Sharp | 1500 block of First Street SW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, February 25, 2023, in the 1500 block of First Street SW, Washington DC. At approximately 8:44 pm, First District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 30-year-old Kevin Sharp, of Southeast, DC

May his family and friends be spared further grief.

Thanks to UK artist Gareth Fuller for his help. 

Street shrine in honor of Anthony Richardson | 3900 block of South Capitol Street SW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, in the 3900 block of South Capitol Street SW, Washington, DC. At approximately 9:39 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, the members located two adult male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported both victims to area hospitals. After all life-saving efforts failed, one of the victims was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 23-year-old Anthony Richardson, of Southeast, DC. 

May he rest in eternal peace.

There are two other streets shrines to homicide victims within a few yards of this one. May the community know justice and be spared further grief.

Street shrine for Mr. Benjie Byers | 6200 block of Georgia Avenue NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, in the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC. At approximately 5:58 pm, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, the members located three adult male victims and one juvenile male victim all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The additional victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as 33-year-old Benjie Byers, of Northwest, DC.

This shrine to Mr. Byers is in a busy section of upper Georgia Avenue.

May he rest in peace.

Police tape at the site of the slaying of James Brooks | 200 block of 37th Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announce an arrest has been made in a homicide that occurred on Sunday, January 15, 2023, in the 200 block of 37th Street SE, Washington, DC. At approximately 7:25 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, the members located an adult male victim suffering from apparent puncture wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 53-year-old James Brooks, of no fixed address.

On Monday, January 16, 2023, 45 year-old Sherman Holley, of no fixed address, was arrested by members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Emergency Response Team after he barricaded himself inside of a residence. He has been charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed. 

May justice be served.