Gregory Troxler's shrine "We Miss U So Damn Much"

This striking, moving memorial is an alley behind the 1800 block of 8th Street NE Washington DC. It was created by friends of Gregory Darnell Troxler, who was killed on this spot, just a few steps away from his home.

I met one of his friends at the site, and we spoke about the sad impact of violence.

 From a Washington Post blog: The man who was fatally shot in Northeast DC on Wednesday has been identified as Gregory Darnell Troxler, 21. Troxler was found lying dead in an alley off the 1100 block of 8th Street NE, Washington DC, around 4 pm October 10,2012. Police said an officer heard the gunshots about 3:50 pm. and arrived within seconds. But Troxler was already dead and the gunman was gone. The slaying was across the street from an entrance to Gallaudet University. Police Chief Lanier said that neither the shooting nor the victim was connected to Gallaudet. It occurred on the south side of Florida Avenue NE; the university is across the street. Police have not said how many times Troxler was shot and have not released any information about a suspect or motive. 

More info, at the always helpful HomicideWatch.

Candles for Brittany McKinley, Capitol Heights, MD

These candles are the remnants of a vigil held in honor and memory of Brittany McKinley, who recently was slain near her home on September 16, 2012.

From a Washington Post blog: Friends and family members of the 25-year-old Capitol Heights woman shot and killed near her home on Heath Street will gather at the scene of the slaying Thursday night for a candlelight vigil to honor the person they remember as a loving mother and hard worker, family said. The vigil for Brittany Sade McKinley will be in the same area where the young woman was gunned down early Sunday morning. Pamela Epps, 44, McKinley’s mother, said the vigil is meant to humanize her daughter — a loving mother of a 6-year-old boy — and present her as something more than a nightclub worker. “She did like any girl. She was out there working, trying to provide for her and her son,” Epps said. “This child sits in here and sleeps with her shirt. It’s disturbing.” McKinley’s slaying occurred about 6 a.m. Sunday in the 4600 block of Heath Street. Police have said she and a 23-year-old woman were shot by Michael Jerome Stewart, 33, of Upper Marlboro, believed to be McKinley’s ex-boyfriend. Stewart was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the incident. Police have said Stewart got into a confrontation with McKinley at Irving's Night Club before the shooting, and after security personnel threw him out of the club, he went to McKinley's home and waited for her. As she and the 23-year-old pulled up, Stewart opened their car door and opened fire. The 23-year-old was hit by gunfire but her wounds were not life threatening. Epps said McKinley worked at the club as a “professional dancer,” though she disputed that Stewart and her daughter had ever been romantically involved. She said Stewart had romantic feelings for her daughter that were not reciprocated. Epps said that her daughter was a loving mother who dreamed of one day becoming a veterinarian. In her free time, McKinley enjoyed taking her son to the park, the pool or the movies.


May she rest in peace, and her child get every comfort and strength needed.

For Dlonte Days - Palmer Park RIP

From the PG County police blog: On October 11th, 2012, at approximately 11:30 pm, police officers responded to the 1800 block of Village Green Drive, Palmer Park, Maryland, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered Dlonte Renard Days, 23, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds inside his residence.  He was taken to a local hospital where he died several hours later. Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) and establish a motive in this case.

Candles, memories, a prayer for peace.

Lamar M. Fonville's memorial on Georgia Avenue NW

From the Washington Post: A man who had been fatally shot was found Sunday, Sunday September 30, 2012 in the 7400 block of Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC.  DC police officers said Lamar Michael Fonville, 29, was found with a gunshot wound in the head about 3:20 am.  

There is a moving letter left at the memorial, which is in front of a modest garden apartment. It reads in part: ."..Lamar I am proud of you and miss you terribly I saw you every day and there is an empty vacuum without you all that you wanted was a piece of the American dream and this is where you ended up...

May Mr. Fonville's friends and family know peace, and may justice be served.