Double homicide | Scott Fricker and Buckley Kuhn-Fricker; 2600 block of Black Fir Court, Reston, VA

This memorial of flowers is outside a home in a quiet Reston, Virginia neighborhood. The double homicide was allegedly perpetrated by a neo-Nazi teenager.

 From a Fairfax County Police report: Fair Oaks Police District – Overnight, homicide detectives obtained petitions charging a 17-year-old Lorton boy with the murders of Scott Fricker and his wife, Buckley Kuhn-Fricker. The suspect was the third person shot at the scene of yesterday’s double murder in the 2600 block of Black Fir Court in Reston, Virginia, [on December 22, 2017]. His injuries were self-inflicted and he remains in the hospital in life-threatening
condition. He is under police guard.
The preliminary investigation determined the suspect, who knows the residents of the home, got inside and was then confronted by the couple. The suspect shot them both and then himself.
Four other family members who were home at the time of the shooting were not hurt. Our Victim Services Section has been assisting them as needed.
The petitions will be served on the suspect at a time yet to be determined, depending on his medical condition. His identity is not being revealed due to his age.

Excerpted from a Washington Post article: Buckley Kuhn-Fricker was so disturbed by what she discovered about her teenage daughter’s boyfriend that she spent a tumultuous week pushing for a breakup. By Thursday, she texted a friend saying the “outspoken Neo Nazi” was out of their lives.

But just hours later, the family said that the 17-year-old boyfriend had shot and killed Kuhn-Fricker, 43, and her husband, Scott, 48 in their Reston, Va., home. It happened while the couple’s children and relatives were inside... gathered to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

The teen, who then turned the gun on himself and is in critical condition at a hospital, was charged with two counts of murder Saturday after police spent Friday investigating at the large, green, single-family home decorated with Christmas wreaths and snowflakes.

Fairfax County police would not offer a motive for the double slaying, but family members and friends tied it directly to the couple’s struggle to keep hate out of their home...

Friends and family said Kuhn-Fricker, who owned an elder-care business, was tolerant and passionate about civil rights and social justice, so she put her foot down after discovering alarming tweets and Twitter messages she believed were connected to her 16-year-old daughter’s boyfriend after looking at the girl’s phone.

On Sunday night, Kuhn-Fricker alerted the principal of the Fairfax County private school that her daughter and the boyfriend attend, attaching numerous images of the account that had retweeted missives praising Hitler, supporting Nazi book burnings, calling for “white revolution,” making derogatory comments about Jews and featuring an illustration of a man hanging from a noose beneath a slur for gay people. In a series of private Twitter messages, the account Kuhn-Fricker attributed to the boyfriend responded to a photo of a candy shop that featured a display of a dreidel by writing, “ima run in there with my swastika armband right now.”

Kuhn-Fricker wrote that her daughter told her over the summer that the boyfriend was very good at history and that her daughter asked, “Did you know that Jews are partly to blame for WWII?”

Janet Kuhn, Kuhn-Fricker’s mother, said that her daughter told her she believed the boyfriend was trying to indoctrinate the girl with white-supremacist ideas... Kuhn-Fricker said her daughter grew so upset in recent weeks when she told her to stop seeing the boyfriend the teenager refused to eat. “We can’t allow her to see someone associated with Nazis,” a friend... recalled Kuhn-Fricker saying. “We don’t associate with hate groups in our house.”

Janet Kuhn said the family staged an intervention with her granddaughter on Wednesday, to convince her to stay away from the boyfriend. There was anger, crying and a long discussion about the Nazis, but the teenager eventually agreed it was in her best interests to end the relationship.

Janet Kuhn said that a detective revealed that her daughter and son-in-law went to check on her granddaughter in the early hours of Friday morning, after possibly hearing a sound.
The parents discovered the boyfriend in their daughter’s bedroom... Scott Fricker yelled at the boyfriend to get out of the house and to never return... At that point, the boyfriend pulled out a gun and shot both parents. The boyfriend then shot himself in the head.

Peace. Peace, justice, and every healing. Shalom. Peace.

Memorial to Joni Rockingham / 300 block of 34th Street NE DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred in the 300 block of 34th Street NE, Washington DC, on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. At approximately 8:36 am, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the report of an unconscious female. Upon arrival on the scene, members located an unconscious and unresponsive adult female. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The cause of death was found to be multiple stab wounds and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The decedent has been identified as Joni S. Rockingham, 53, of Northeast, DC. She had been reported missing on November 24, 2017, and was the subject of an active Youth and Family Services Division missing persons case. 

From WUSA-9: Police found a woman's body in an alley in Northeast DC. They suspect it's Joni Sharette Rockingham, 53, a mother of three grown children, and they think she was murdered.
It was the outcome friends and family feared the most. Rockingham walked out of her mom's house the day before Thanksgiving without her purse and disappeared.
   
Her friends and family searched and plastered missing posters her everywhere they could.
“She was a person make you laugh all the time, clown all the time,” said her sister, Trina Rockingham.
Almost three weeks after she disappeared, a neighbor spotted a woman's body next to a garbage can behind an abandoned home on 34th St. Neighbors say they searched the alley and the driveway repeatedly. They say she was not here up until now. ‘We think somebody dumped her, definitely, because she was not laying (there), said Rockingham’s friend April King.
“I just believe she put up a struggle. And I'm hoping and believing that some DNA is going to show up somewhere,” said a neighbor, Connie Dickens.
Her sister says it’s going to be a horrible Christmas. “That’s a sick person,” she said of the killer. “Because who is going to hold someone that long? Who does that?”

Shrine for Luis Ernesto Bonilla | 7100 block of Fairchild Drive, Alexandria VA

From a Fairfax County Police report: Homicide detectives this morning are investigating the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old man who was found dead in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. The victim is Luis Ernesto Bonilla. Officers were on routine patrol at about 11:15 pm December 1, 2017 in the 7100 block of Fairchild Drive when they came upon a man with trauma to his upper body in a nearby wooded area. Officers attempted to provide first aid to the victim and rescue personnel responded to the scene to assist but they were unable to revive the victim. It is unknown how long he had been there. Officers immediately saturated the area, along with help from our K9 unit and helicopter unit. Officers were unable to locate any suspects, witnesses, or anyone that might have been involved in the incident.  Detectives are still in the early stages of the investigation. They will continue to work to find the person or persons responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Needels at 703-246-7904

From Covering The Corridor's blog post:  Police officers on patrol found Luis Ernesto Bonilla suffering from wounds to the upper body around 11:15 p.m. last night. The location is near the Meadow Woods Apartments complex. Officers and other first responders tried to revive Bonilla at the scene but were unsuccessful...
Bonilla was found in a wooded area near the apartments, according to police, and residents of the apartments identified the crime scene as being near a picnic area at the eastern edge of the complex’s property.
Bonilla lived less than a mile from the crime scene. He attended West Potomac High School, and many former classmates took to social media Saturday to express shock at his death and share memories of his life. Friday’s homicide appears to be the first murder in the Richmond Highway area in 2017.

Descansa en paz / Rest in peace
 

Homicide site: Danjellicca Ball | 5200 block of Just Street NE, Washington DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a Homicide offense which occurred in the 5200 block of Just Street NE, Washington DC, on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. At approximately 6:50 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female, unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to an area hospital, where all life-saving efforts failed and the victim, identified as Danjellicca Ball, 25, of Hyattsville MD, was pronounced dead.

Peace to Ms. Ball and her family, and may justice be served in this tragedy.

Shrine for an unidentified victim | 1900 block Savannah Terrace SE DC

From a DC police report: "Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 1900 block of Savannah Terrace SE, Washington DC, on Sunday, October 22, 2017. At approximately 8:40 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. During the course of the investigation, a second victim, an adult male, was located nearby and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The decedent has not been identified at this time."

I documented this memorial shrine of balloons and wine bottles at the corner of 22nd Street and Savannah Place, SE.

Peace.

Site of the passing of Juan Nelson Roberts | 900 block of Shepherd Street NW DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 900 block of Shepherd Street NW, Washington DC, on Sunday, November 5, 2017. At approximately 6:10 pm, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious and unresponsive adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and determined there were no signs consistent with life. The decedent remained on the scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The decedent has been identified as Juan Nelson Roberts, 35.

These masses of yellow crime tape mark the alley where Mr Roberts lost his life.

RIP.

"Instead of mourning your death we will celebrate your Life!" Street memorial to Marcus Anthony Shepherd | 100 block of Atlantic Street SW DC

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 100 block of Atlantic Street SW, Washington DC, on Saturday, September 30, 2017. At approximately 7:45 am, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, inside of a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as Marcus Anthony Shepherd, 22, of Southeast, DC.

This memorial had been erected at a vigil for Mr. Shepherd the evening just prior to me documenting it. I spoke with two of his friends and one of his relatives, who were very saddened by this loss. A couple of people added their sentiments to the sign while I was at the site.

May they, and the whole community, know peace.

This memorial exists in a neighborhood I know well, where I used to mentor Dion Johnson in photography through the Streets to Skills program in the 1990's. It was especially sad to experience this.

RIP Carlos Garita-Salazar. Memorial in the 6000 block of 67th Place, Riverdale MD

From a PG police report: Homicide Unit detectives identified and charged three suspects in connection with a homicide in Riverdale, Maryland. The suspects are Carlos Cardenas-Banegas, 29, and Wilfredo Cardenas-Banegas, 24, both of Riverdale, and Kevin Soriana-Hernand, 18,  of Landover Hills. They’re charged with the murder of Carlos Garita-Salazar, 19, of Landover Hills. On September 16th, 2017, at about 1:30 am, patrol officers responded to the 6000 block of 67th Place in Riverdale for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, the officers discovered the victim inside of a car suffering from trauma to his upper body. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The motive in this case is under investigation. The three suspects are in custody and charged with first and second
degree murder. They are being held on a no-bond status.

La información en español está aquí.

His memorial is in a quiet neighborhood of single-family homes.

May he rest in peace.

Memorial for DeAndre Riley, corner of Benning Road and 18th Streets NE DC

This memorial to DeAndre Riley is on the busy Benning Road corridor of Northeast DC.

From a DC police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 700 block of 18th Street NE, Washington DC, on Tuesday, May 30, 2017. At approximately 7:24 pm, members of the Fifth District heard the sound of gunshots and responded to the area. Upon arrival, they located an unconscious adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.The decedent has been identified as DeAndre Riley, 25, of Southeast, DC.
A brief Washington Post article adds: " the shooting occurred... in the 1800 block of Benning Road NE, and that the wounded victim managed to walk several blocks before collapsing in the 700 block of 18th Street NE."

Peace. Please.

This shine site is maintained regularly by Ms. Thomasina Reed. I documented it again in December 2018.

Jesus Wept. The shrine for Cesar Bazan in the 5500 block of 54th Avenue, Riverdale Park MD

From a Prince George’s County Police Department report: Homicide Unit detectives identified and charged three suspects in connection with a homicide in Riverdale Park, Maryland, late last month. The suspects are Marquise Dinkins, 19, of Washington DC, Stephen Strand, 21, of Chillum, MD, and Charles Howard Davis, 30, of  Bladensburg, MD.

They are all charged with first and second degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of  Cesar Bazan, 26, of Landover Hills, MD.

On July 26th, 2017, at about 8:30 pm, patrol officers with the Riverdale Park Police Department responded to the 5500 block of 54th Avenue for a shooting. When they arrived, the officers discovered Bazan outside suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he died a short time later. The preliminary investigation reveals the suspects and victim got into an argument before the shooting.

May G-d have mercy, and foster justice and peace.

Holding Court. Memorial for Kenneth Ronald Davis Jr. | 2000 block of 16th Street SE DC

From a DC Police report and the Washington Post: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 1200 block of W Street SE, Washington DC, on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. At approximately 1:00 am, Seventh District officers responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from life threatening gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Kenneth Ronald Davis Jr., 22, of Southeast, DC.
 The shooting occurred in front of a church just off Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, according to police. Police said the victim apparently ran several blocks and collapsed in a small field at Green and Galen Streets SE.

According to reporter John Muller, Mr. Davis often held court in a beach chair in the 2000 block of 16th Street SE, near the site of his demise. His friends and loved ones have created a fitting memorial to him at his favorite spot, incorporating elements of his life.

Police tape at the site of Juan Carlos Osorio-Herrera's death. 4800 block of 5th Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 4800 block of Kansas Avenue NW, Washington DC, on Sunday, July 30, 2017. At approximately 2:00 am, members of the Fourth District responded to the area for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims was discovered in the 4800 block of Kansas Avenue, Northwest, unconscious, but breathing. He was transported to an area hospital in grave condition. The second victim, Juan Carlos Osorio-Herrera, 24, was discovered in the 4800 block of 5th Street Northwest, unconscious and unresponsive. DC Fire and EMS found no signs consistent with life and pronounced him dead.

Shrine in memory of Dante McNeil. U Street SE near the corner of the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue, SE

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred alongside of the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue SE Washington DC, on Monday, August 14, 2017.
 At approximately 12:30 pm, Seventh District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male inside of a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene. The victim displayed no signs consistent with life and was pronounced dead.
The decedent has been identified as Dante McNeil, 31, of Southeast, DC.

According to a a Facebook account by reporter John Muller, Mr. McNeil's loved ones and friends have added candles and other material to this shrine in his memory.

Crime. Site of the slaying of Jamahri Syndor | 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue NE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide offense that occurred in the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue NE, Washington DC,, on Thursday, August 10, 2017. At approximately 3:32 pm, members of the Fifth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. A juvenile female was also located, inside of a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported both victims to area hospitals. The juvenile female was admitted in grave condition. On Saturday, August 12, 2017, the juvenile female succumbed to her injuries and has been pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Jamahri Sydnor, 17, of Northeast, DC.
On Thursday, August 10, 2017, a 21-year-old Adult Male, of Northeast DC, was arrested and charged with Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun). Appropriate upgraded charges are pending against the defendant.

From all accounts, Ms. Syndor was an admirable young woman with a bright future. It appears she was slain by a stray bullet. This is a very tragic situation. May she and her family know peace, and may justice be served.

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

Yellow tape: Jarvis Bell, 3400 block of 18th Street NE DC

This crime scene tape is at the site where Jarvis Bell lost his life on August 3, 2017.
From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 3400 block of 18th Street, NE, Washington DC,  on Thursday, August 3, 2017. At approximately 7:40 pm, Fifth District officers responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located four adult males suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim sustained life threatening gunshot wounds and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The other three victims sought treatment at area hospitals for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. The decedent has been identified as Jarvis Belle, 29, of Northeast, DC.

Candles for Victor Williams | Anacostia River Trail DC

From a DC police report: 3300 block East Capitol St SE Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the Anacostia River Trail, south of the 3300 block of East Capitol Street SE, Washington DC, on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. At approximately 8:30 am, members of the Sixth District were dispatched to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arriving on the scene, members located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene. The victim displayed no signs consistent with life and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Victor Williams, 37, of Southeast DC.

These burned candles from a vigil were located in the middle of this ordinarily tranquil park trail along the Anacostia River.

May it return to tranquility soon, and evermore.

Shrine in the 1000 block of 17th Place NE DC

From Popville: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 1000 block of 17th Street, Northeast, on Thursday, July 21, 2017.
At approximately 10:51 pm, members of the Fifth District responded to the rear alley of the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arriving on the scene, members located an unconscious and unresponsive adult male victim. The victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Marcus Stephens, 26, of Oxon Hill (information from MPD).

While looking for a possible memorial for Mr. Stephens, I found this older shrine a half-block away in the 1000 block of 17th Place NE, Washington DC. It is probably an older creation. I am happy to post updated information should anyone have it.

According to the Washington Post, Jerome T. Marshall, then 17, was slain at this location in 2004.

Rodney Taylor, 26, was also slain at 17th Place  & L NE in August, 1994. An extensive and moving Washington Post article on this sad event can be read here:

In any event, peace peace peace.