Julian Dawkins' memorial / Lynhaven neighborhood, Alexandria

This street memorial to Julian Dawkins is at the Corner of Lynhaven Drive and Evans Lane in Alexandria, Virginia. There were many members of his family, friends and neighbors gathered around the site, and it is still being added to. I spoke to his aunt, who had been on the phone with Mr. Dawkins when he was shot. From all accounts he was a decent hard-working young man, employed by the PBS News Hour as a shuttle driver.

He was shot on May 21, 2013, in the 100 block of Lynhaven Drive, Alexandria, Virginia.

Note: In the ten years I have been documenting DC metro area street memorials, this is the first one I have encountered and photographed in Alexandria.

May he rest in peace, his family's grief healed, and justice be served.

From an Alexandria Police report:  Based upon the results of the autopsy examination conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the death of Julian Dawkins, 22, has been ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot wound. Mr. Dawkins was shot following a confrontation with off duty Arlington County deputy sheriff Craig Patterson, 44, during the early morning hours of May 21, 2013.

During the course of the investigation, detectives have consulted with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office regarding whether or not criminal charges should be filed. This case is being investigated according to standard protocol applied to all Alexandria homicide cases.

From WJLA TV:
Friends on Thursday gathered at the spot where Julian Dawkins was shot. Meanwhile his family waited a short distance away for word of charges. The victim's family wondered why, a full day after the shooting, Patterson did not face charges.
On the night of the shooting, the Dawkins family gathered at the house to plan a party for cousin Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, who had just signed to play with the Mystics of the WNBA.
His uncle says sometime after 9 pm, Dawkins left and just down the street got into an argument with Patterson, who lives nearby. He is adamant that several hours passed between the first altercation and the shooting. The Dawkins say that since Patterson is a law enforcement officer whom they believe must have undergone training in conflict resolution, the shooting is all the more troubling.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney says a decision on whether Patterson is charged or not will be made within 24 to 48 hours.

Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille issued the following statement Thursday evening:

The death of Julian Dawkins, who was shot and killed on May 21, has raised concerns throughout our community. I am confident that appropriate justice will prevail once all facts are known. Our Police Department is investigating this case and they are working with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney using the standard procedure used for such cases in Alexandria. In the meantime, I urge the community to be patient, and allow the justice system to do its work.

Dandelions and crime scene tape | Mikal Hudnall, Southern Avenue DC

From a DC police report on HomicideWatch: On Friday, April 12, 2013, at approximately 10:18 pm, units from the Sixth District responded to the 5800 block of Southern Avenue SE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded and did not find any signs consistent with life. The decedent, identified as Mikal Alexandar Hudnall, 24, was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia, pending an autopsy.       

There have been several fatal shootings in this area over the last few years.

I found this mass of police crimes scene tape alongside newly blooming dandelions.

A wish for peace.

Memorial for a baby girl. Shrine for Samauri Jenkins

From a DC police report: On Sunday, February 17, 2013, at approximately 3:13 am, an officer reported seeing smoke and fire coming from a residence in the 2600 block of 33rd Street SE, Washington, DC. Once on the scene, police and fire department members were advised by family members that a female child was unaccounted for. A short time later, the female child, who was unconscious and not breathing, was located by members of the fire department. She was transported to a local hospital and admitted in critical condition.  Several other residents of the home escaped the fire and were transported to local hospitals.  A male toddler was treated and released, two adult females were admitted in stable condition, and an adult female was treated and released. On Tuesday, February 19, 2013, the female child, Samauri Jenkins, 4, was pronounced dead.

On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, an autopsy was conducted and it has been determined that the child died from injuries sustained in the fire. On Friday, February 22, 2013, the manner of the decedent’s death was ruled a homicide.

On February 22, 2013, Jerome Calvary Lewis, 46, who also escaped the fire was arrested and charged with Murder Two in the homicide of Samauri Jenkins. The cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation by the Arson Task Force.


Seeing this one made me very sad. The house is in a very well-kept and quiet neighborhood.

May this innocent child's soul rest in peace.

 More information on this sad case is at HomicideWatch.

Tears. Tears. Street memorial for Jermille Damon Davis

This shrine to Jermile Davis is quite some distance from the site of his death. It is on the corner of 60th and Eads Streets, NE, Washington, DC.

According to the Washington Post (3/13/13, page A6), it was erected by his friends in his memory. From a DC police report: On Thursday, December 20, 2012, at approximately 8:12 pm, units from the Fourth District responded to the 4400 block of 6th Place NE, Washington, DC, for the report of a burglary in progress with a shooting victim inside. Upon arrival, they located an adult male identified as Jermile Damon Davis, 24, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

 Sadly, this is not the only street memorial that has appeared on this corner.

May he, and the community, have peace.

 More information is at HomicideWatch.

Yellow police tape for Tyrone Joyner | Canal Street SW

From a DC police report: On Sunday, February 24, 2013, at approximately 6:26 pm, units from the First District responded to the 1400 block of Canal Street SW, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim identified as Tyrone Joyner, 22, to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

 More information at HomicideWatch.

Damon Luke Brown - police tape on Livingston Terrace SE

On Saturday, February 23, 2013, at approximately 2:53 am, units from the Seventh District responded to investigate the sounds of gunshots in the area of the 300 block of Livingston Terrace SE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, they located an adult male, identified as Damon Luke Brown, 49, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded and determined the decedent had no signs consistent with life. The decedent was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where he was pronounced dead.    

More information at HomicideWatch

Memorial for Charles Michael Walker Jr, Hillcrest Heights, Maryland

Acc

From a PG County Police report: On February 18, 2013, around 4:20 pm, police officers responded to the 4000 block of 28th Avenue, Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, for a welfare check call. Once on scene, police officers found a male, identified as Charles Michael Walker Jr., 15, on the ground suffering from trauma to his body. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was a student from Suitland High School.

Prince George’s County announced the arrest of five suspects charged in connection with the murder of Charles Walker. Investigative developments, along with tips called into Crimes Solvers, led detectives to develop the five suspects. All five of the suspects are charged with first degree murder. They are identified as Derryck Antonio Green, 20, Jermani Maurice Whitner, 18, Glenn Cornell Leach, 23, Tayvon Delonte Williams, 21, and Kevin J. Smith, 21.

Aaron Kidd and Andre Shuford; site of a double homicide in Forestville, Maryland

From a PG County police report: On February 19, 2013, at 5:35 pm, patrol officers responded to the 3700 block of Donnell Drive Forestville, Maryland, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, patrol officers found two adults shot in a parking lot. Aaron Burrell Kidd, 18, was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was a 9th grade student at Suitland High School. A second victim, Andre Walter Shuford, 18, succumbed to his injuries and was pronouced dead February 20, 2013.
At this point, there is no indication that this crime is connected to the murder of Charles Walker, Jr.

Eric Walker- scene at Colebrook Drive, Hillcrest Heights MD

From a PG County police report: On February 19, 2013, at approximately 10:40 pm, patrol officers responded to the intersection of Branch Avenue and Colebrook Drive, Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, for the report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, patrol officers found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds.  The victim identified as Eric Eugene Walker, 27,was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

The preliminary investigation reveals Walker was pumping gas in the 2900 block of Colebrook Drive when he was approached by Duane Lamar Williams, 34, who brandished a gun. The gunman chased Walker across Branch Avenue and shot him multiple times.  A second victim was in a nearby car at the time. That victim was an off-duty Metropolitan Police Department officer.  He exited the car and identified himself as a police officer and attempted to make an arrest. At that time, Williams pointed his gun at the man and attempted to fire, but the gun would not discharge. The second victim was not hurt.
Patrol officers found Williams nearby and based on his erratic behavior, believed him to be high on PCP. They deployed their Tasers multiple times to try and subdue the gunman.  None of the applications took effect, which is a common occurrence when someone is under the influence of PCP. The patrol officers were able to then arrest the gunman. Patrol officers recovered the murder weapon from the suspect.  Williams is charged with first and second degree murder and related charges.  

Police tape for Dominic Davis | 57th Street NE

From a DC police report: On Monday, January 14, 2013, at approximately 10:43 am, units from the Sixth District responded to the 500 block of 57th Street NE, Washington DC, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located an adult male, identified as Dominic Anthony Davis, 27, lying on the ground suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and MS transported the victim to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

More information is on HomicideWatch

James Edward Dean: shrine on Buena Vista Terrace SE

From a DC police report: On Sunday, February 10, 2013, at approximately 5:18 pm, units from the Seventh District reported sounds of gunshots in the area of the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace SE, Washington DC. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim, identified as James Edward Dean, 19, to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

 There is more information on Mr. Dean's case on HomicideWatch.

Mrs. Geraldine J. McIntyre, Valentine's Day memorial, Capitol Heights, MD

From a PG County police report: On February 9, 2013, around 3:00 pm, police officers responded to the 1200 block of Chapel Oaks Drive in Capitol Heights, Maryland, for a welfare check call. Upon arrival, police officers found an adult female suffering from trauma to the body. She was taken to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Detectives are working to identify the suspect(s) and motive in this case.
  

The text on this memorial, and testimony from her neighbors, identifies the victim of this crime to be Mrs. Geraldine J. McIntyre.

Her grieving neighbors built this shrine in her honor on Valentine's Day.