Site of Dwayne Gene Dillard's slaying; police tape in the 2600 block of Douglas Place SE

From a DC police report: On Saturday, July 4, 2015, at approximately 11:09 pm, officers from the Seventh District responded to a call for a shooting in the 2600 block of Douglas Place SE, Washington DC. The investigation revealed that three adult male victims, each suffering from a gunshot wound, had been taken to local hospitals.  A fourth adult male victim, also suffering from a gunshot wound, was transported to a local hospital by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel. Three victims were admitted for treatment.  One victim, identified as Dwayne Gene Dillard, 23, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Larry Michael Lockhart's memorial | 1300 block of Orren Street NE

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at approximately 12:13 am. Members of the Fifth District responded to the report of the sounds of gunshots in the 1300 block of Orren Street NE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Larry Michael Lockhart, 26.

I spoke extensively with a neighbor, who testified that Mr. Lockhart was a positive young man, who had a couple of young children who are now bereft of their father's love and care.

This shrine to him is in the Trinidad/Ivy City neighborhood.

A plush puppy and libation street memorial for Kevin Cortez Johnson | 1200 block of Raum Street NE

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, June 26, 2015, at approximately 11:45 pm. While investigating the sounds of gunshots, Fifth District members located an adult male with apparent gunshot wounds in the 1200 block of Raum Street NE, Washington DC. He was transported to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries. The decedent has been identified as Kevin Cortez Johnson, 23.

This memorial is in the Trinidad/Ivy City neighborhood of DC, which is again experiencing a sad storm of homicides.

I pray that the community again experiences peace, within and without.

Flowers and dignity for Joel Johnson, 3600 block of Calvert Street NW

From a DC police report: Members of the Second District received a call on June 19, 2015, at approximately 10:28 pm, for an unconscious person in the 3600 block of Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC Upon arrival officers discovered an adult male, suffering from visible injuries from an apparent stabbing. Lifesaving treatment was initiated; however he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Joel Johnson, 53.

A moving and thorough Washington Post article describes Mr. Johnson as a quiet former photographer, who had many supporters in his friendship and family circle. He was killed on the steps of the St. Luke's Mission center, and a vigil was held in his honor and memory.

Darrell Grays's memorial, 1600 block of E Street NE. "You was peaceful."

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating the shooting death that occurred in the 1600 block of E Street NE, Washington DC, on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at approximately 5:09 pm. Fifth District members responded for a shooting call and located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The decedent was transported to an area hospital where lifesaving efforts later failed. The remains of the decedent were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner pending an autopsy.  The decedent has been identified as Darrell Michael Grays, 33.

The sign left at his memorial refers to him as a 'great loyal friend.'

Memorial to Antonio Lee Bryant | 3300 block of D Street SE

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at approximately 8:40 pm. Members of the Sixth District received a call for the report of a shooting in the 3300 block of D Street SE, Washington DC.  Upon arrival, they located an adult male, unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The decedent, identified as Antonio Lee Bryant, 28, was later transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

I found this graceful street memorial in a shady place on the quiet street where Mr. Bryant lost his life.

Peace.