Street memorial of Dante Kinard in the 1800 block of Benning Road NE, Washington DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that resulted from a shooting that occurred in the 1800 block of Benning Road NE, Washington DC, on Friday, February 19, 2016. At approximately 9:42 pm, members of the Fifth District responded to a call for a shooting.  Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.  The victim, identified as Dante Kinard, 21, was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

I spoke briefly with some of his friends at the site. They were quiet and respectful, as evidenced by the message on the shrine "Respect the Dead."

Yes.

Birthday memorial for Delonte Jackson | Unit block of 46th St 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 Unit block of 46th Street SE, Washington DC. On Friday, March 14, 2014, at approximately 7:08 pm, police officers from the Sixth Patrol District were dispatched to the Unit block of 46th Street SE, Washington, D.C., for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds inside a vehicle located in the Unit block of 46th Street SE. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel transported the victim, identified as Delonte Jackson, 30, of Southeast, Washington, DC, to a local hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. On Saturday, March 15, 2014, all lifesaving efforts failed, and the victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital.  

There is also information on the case at HomicideWatch.

This shrine was erected on what would have been Mr. Jackson's 32nd birthday by his mother, Hilda Jackson, his sons, and his partner, and other family members. Ms. Jackson has kept her son's memory alive, and has spoken of her son's death as a pain beyond what any mother should have to bear.

I wish her and this family every strength, comfort, peace, and blessing.

Shrine for Crystal Hamilton / 15000 block of Lashmere Court in Woodbridge, Virginia | Honoring the service of Officer Ashley Guindon

From a Prince William Police report: On February 27, 2016, at 5:37 PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 15000 block of Lashmere Court in Woodbridge, Virginia, for an initial report of a domestic altercation. When officers arrived on scene, they approached the front door of the home and were confronted by a suspect, later identified as the accused. The accused was armed with a firearm and opened fire, striking three county police officers who sustained critical wounds. Additional officers arrived at the residence and the accused surrendered to police without further incident. Officers also provided life-saving first aid to the wounded officers until Fire & Rescue crews could get on scene. All three officers were flown to Fairfax INOVA Hospital where one of the officers, identified as Officer Ashley Guindon, died as a result of her injuries. After securing the suspect, officers conducted a search of the home and located an adult woman, identified as Crystal Hamilton, inside deceased from gunshot related injuries. An 11-year old boy was also inside the residence at the time of the incident and fled the home at some point during the encounter. The child was not injured and will be released to the custody of other family members. The investigation revealed that the accused and his wife were involved in a verbal altercation which escalated physically. The wife was able to contact police; however, before officers could arrive, she was allegedly shot and killed by the accused. The remaining two officers shot during the encounter remain hospitalized at this time. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested and charged. This is Prince William County's fourth line of duty death since the department's inception in 1970 and only the second officer to be killed feloniously in the line of duty. Arrested on February 27: Ronald Williams Hamilton, 32. Charged with 1 count of capital murder of a police officer, 1 count of first degree murder, 2 counts of malicious wounding of a police officer, and 2 counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony  

Ms. Hamilton was killed in a domestic dispute, in a prosperous, quiet, well-kept neighborhood. According to reports, she had led an exemplary life.

The slain officer, Ashley Guindon, showed great promise, and was rightly honored in a large public service and display by County officials and police services.

May their memories be for a blessing, and may justice be served.

There is considerably more information about this situation in the Washington Post.

Demetrius Christopher Medlay - police tape in the 3100 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 3100 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington DC, on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. At approximately 2:50 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to a call for a shooting. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. Members of the DCFEMS arrived and transported the victim, identified as Demetrius Christopher Medlay, 22, to a local hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Flowers for Deandre Sibblies / 4500 block of Quarles Street NE, Washington DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 4500 block of Quarles Street NE, Washington DC, on Monday, February 22, 2016. At approximately 5:38 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the call for a man down.  Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.  Members of the DCFEMS arrived and rendered aid on the scene.  The victim, identified as Deandre A. Sibblies, 21, was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The Kenilworth-Parkside neighborhood has had many challenges. I trust wisdom and peace grow there.

There is a powerful piece in the Washington Post which shows the impact that this death has had on a family. Well worth reading. There is a deep quote near the end "Don't love The Street. The Street don't love you."

Peace.