Memory made flesh | RIP tattoo

I recently photographed Ms. Sabrina Moore, of Southeast Washington DC. She lost a relative, Dee, to homicide when she was a young girl.

She has a tattoo to him inked into her arm to remember and to honor.

Flowers for Uyer Bernard Hooper | street memorial in the 6400 block of 7th Street NW, DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide which occurred in the 6400 block of 7th Street NW, Washington DC, on Sunday, September 6, 2015, at approximately 3:22 am. Members of the Fourth District responded for the report of a shooting and upon arrival, they located one adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, Uyer Barnard Hooper, 55, to an area hospital, where lifesaving efforts failed and he was pronounced dead. A second victim, an adult male, suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound and was driven to an area hospital in a privately owned vehicle.

Shortly after the shooting on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at approximately 9:00 am, a suspect was developed and Dejuan Etheredge, 27, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder While Armed.

Let us all say a prayer for justice and peace, and continue work to heal our wounded communities.

Shrine in the 1100 block of Stevens Road SE

This shrine is in the Barry Farms area of Southeast Washington DC.  As there have been several recent homicides in the complex this summer, and there was no signage, I was unable to determine for certain in whose memory it is erected. This shrine is in the rear of the 1100 block Stevens Rd SE, Washington DC.

It is likely for either Ernest Massenberg-Bey, Jr, who was slain in the adjacent block on September 28, 2015, or for Antonio Dean, who was murdered in another close-by block of Stevens Road on August 22, 2015.

In any case, may they both rest in peace. And peace to all in this embattled neighborhood.

From a DC police report: Members of the Seventh District responded to investigate the sounds of gunshots in the 1100 block of Eaton Road SE, Washington DC, on Monday, September 28, 2015 at approximately 7:34 pm. They located two adult male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds at the location. DC Fire and EMS transported both victims to area hospitals. One was admitted in critical condition while the other victim, identified as Ernest Massenberg-Bey, Jr., 21, after life-saving efforts failed, was pronounced dead.

From a DC police report: On Saturday, August 22, 2015, at approximately 2:51 am, Mr. Antonio Dean was shot and killed in the 1300 block of Stevens Road SE, Washington DC.

Mr Dean's mother has confirmed that this memorial is to her son. RIP.

This shrine was still standing and being maintained on June 25, 2018.

"I Love You My Homie" - In memory of Mr. Marcellus Green; adjacent to the 3200 block of 28th Street SE, Washington, DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide which occurred in the 3200 block of 28th Street SE, Washington, DC, on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at approximately 1:07 am. Members of the Seventh District heard sounds of gunshots in the area, and while canvassing located an adult male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to an area hospital, where lifesaving efforts failed and he was pronounced dead.

The victim has been identified as Mr. Marcellus Green, 39, of Southeast DC.

On Saturday, September 19, 2015, at approximately 1:30 am, Steven Pugh, 22,  and Maricco Knight, 22,  were arrested following a vehicle pursuit and charged with First Degree Murder While Armed in the shooting death of Marcellus Green.


Peace and justice are needed for all concerned.

Police tape at the site of a double homicide. Ernest Lott, and Garland Johnson | 6800 block of Central Avenue of Capitol Heights, Maryland

From a police report: The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a double homicide in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random act. The victims are 37-year-old Ernest Lott, and Garland Johnson, 43.  On September 30, 2015, at about 7:45 pm, patrol officers were called to the 6800 block of Central Avenue for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found the two victims outside of an apartment building suffering from gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead on the scene.

This yellow police crime tape is all that remained in public as a reminder of this sad occurrence.

Memorial to Christopher Bess / 800 block of Southern Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD

From a Prince George's County Police report: The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a homicide in Oxon Hill. The victim is Christopher Bess, 28, of no fixed address. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random act. On September 13, 2015, at about 6:00 pm, patrol officers were called to the 800 block of Southern Avenue for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Bess outside suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital.

I found this memorial in the parking lot of a small shopping center, which is quite unusual.

Mr. Bess's nickname was "Gunnah," according to materials placed by his loved ones.

The site is immediately adjacent to the DC/MD line.

Shrine - 1600 Block W Street Southeast

I encountered this older shrine while on assignment for Enterprise Community Partners. As there have been several homicides in this block over the years, I can make no certain identification as to whom it memorializes.

I believe the shrine is likely for Durand Lucas, who lost his life here in 2010.

From a DC police report: On Saturday, June 5, 2010, at approximately 2:57 am, units from the Seventh District were dispatched to the 1600 block of W Street SE, Washington DC, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious subject who was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded and determined the victim, identified as Durand Lucas, 17, had no signs of life. The victim was then transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where he was pronounced dead.

May he rest in peace. 

In July 2014, Joshua Andrews was sentenced to over 41 years in prison for the murder of Mr. Lucas. See HomicideWatch for more information on this case.

 
And a wish for peace in the neighborhood.