Memorial for Jamar Freeman- 9th Street NW

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"

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

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

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.

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)

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

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

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.