Site of the homicide of Mr. Leonard Turner | 400 block of 2nd Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announce an arrest has been made in reference to a homicide that occurred on Friday, May 14, 2021, in the 400 block of 2nd Street NW, Washington, DC. At approximately 9:29 pm, members of the First District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 27 year-old Leonard Turner, of Southeast, DC. On Monday, August 16, 2021, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested 28 year-old William Davenport, of Northeast, DC. He has been charged with First Degree Murder while Armed. 

This police crime tape is directly across the street from the city's largest homeless shelter. 

Peace, justice, and safety for all concerned.

Site of the slaying of Mr. Kervin Sanches | 700 block of O Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, July 31, 2021, in the 700 block of O Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 11:15 pm, members of the Third District were in the area of the listed location when they heard the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead. A second adult male victim sought treatment at a local hospital for a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The decedent has been identified as 31 year-old Kervin Sanches, of Northeast, DC. 

RIP.

Shrine built to honor Kemon Payne's life | 1400 block of Brentwood Parkway NE DC

This memorial is on the grounds of the high school young Mr. Payne attended. A very sad and tragic situation. May he rest in peace.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced an arrest has been made in a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, in the 1400 block of Brentwood Parkway NE, Washington, DC.  At approximately 3:11 pm, members of the School Security Division were assisting with Safe Passage when they were alerted to an altercation at the listed location. Upon arrival, members located a juvenile male suffering from stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead. The suspect was apprehended by responding officers.The decedent has been identified as 15 year-old Kemon Payne, of Southeast, DC. 

On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, a 16 year-old juvenile male, of Southwest, DC, was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed. 

Balloon memorial at a double homicide site: Jovan Hill Jr., and Tariq Riley | 100 Block of Q Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sunday, July 25, 2021, in the 100 Block of Q Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 3:58 pm, members of the Third District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported both victims to a local hospital for treatment. After all life-saving efforts failed, both victims succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead. A short time later, a third victim was located at a local hospital where they were treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The decedents have been identified as 22 year-old Jovan Hill Jr., and 19 year-old Tariq Riley, both of Northwest, DC. 

May their families and friends be spared further grief.

Street memorial for James Beckham | 200 block of 49th Street SE DC

This unusual and creative shrine in a generally quiet neighborhood is for Mr. James Beckham's memory.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, August 7, 2021, in the 200 block of 49th Street SE, Washington, DC. At approximately 6:17 pm, members of the Sixth District were flagged down in the area of the listed location Upon arrival, members located an adult male in a vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 69 year-old James Beckham, of Suitland, MD. 

In memory of Anthony Mitchell | 700 block of First Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, in the 3700 block of First Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 12:58 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of the sound of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located an adult male, inside of a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 43 year-old Anthony Mitchell, of Southeast, DC. 

RIP.

Shrines in memory of Nyiah Courtney, six years old | 2900 block Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE DC

A six year old girl,  Nyiah Courtney, was murdered in a drive-by shooting. Her mother and three other adults were also wounded by the gunfire.

A series of street memorials has been erected on the site of her slaying. 

There has been an outpouring of grief in the wake of her death. A $60,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunmen. 

This shrine site was emotionally overwhelming to document. Tragic and very sad.

May Nyiah know eternal peace, and may justice be served.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, July 16, 2021, in the 2900 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, Washington DC. At approximately 11:11 pm, members of the Seventh District were in the area of the listed location when they heard the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located a juvenile female, two adult females and two adult males. All sustained gunshot wounds and received treatment at area hospitals. A sixth victim, an adult male, sought treatment at a local hospital for a non-life threatening gunshot wound. After all life-saving efforts failed, the juvenile victim succumbed to their injuries. The adult victims were treated for non-life threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as 6 year-old Nyiah Courtney, of Southeast DC.

There has also been a lot of attention paid to this situation in the press. From an article in the Washington Post: "Nyiah was fatally shot Friday night while walking to her nearby home with her mother, father and older sister in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Southeast Washington. Police said the shots came from a gray, four-door sedan passing the commercial corner of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X avenues, striking Nyiah, her mother and four others, among the latest victims in a city struggling to curtail gun violence... Nyiah, an outgoing little girl with an infectious smile, who loved to learn and to dance and was eager to begin first grade at Ingenuity Prep Public Charter School this fall, was the youngest victim of a fatal shooting in D.C. this year. “She put a smile on everybody’s face,” said Courtney, Nyiah’s 52-year-old maternal grandmother.

On Saturday, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) and Police Chief Robert J. Contee III joined other city officials and the heads of the local offices of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to address the latest killing in the nation’s capital. Federal authorities promised to help with the case and added money to a reward, pushing the total to $60,000."

Street memorial to Benson Thorne Sr. | 100 block of Kennedy Street NW DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, June 18, 2021, in the 100 block of Kennedy Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 12:07 am, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. An additional adult male victim was located in the 5100 block of New Hampshire Avenue, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The second victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as 52 year-old Benson Thorne Sr., of Northwest, DC. 

I spoke at length to a neighbor. about human nature, the propensity of human beings to violence, the long-term effects of the crime of slavery, and about how to build peace within ourselves individually and in the community as a whole.

May Mr. Thorne RIP.

Shrine for Frank Winchester | 1400 block of L Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday, May 31, 2021, in the 1400 block of L Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:54 pm, members of the First District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members 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. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 40 year-old Frank Winchester, of Southeast DC. 

This memorial overlooks the Southeast/Southwest Freeway.

Site of the slaying of Jamya Williams | 4th and K Streets NW DC

This police tape is at the edge of Franklin Square Park, in the heart of DC busiest commercial district.

From a DC Police report: Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department's Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating a vehicular homicide resulting from a hit and run that occurred on Saturday, July 3, 2021, in the intersection of 14th and K Street NW, Washington DC. The preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 12:54 am, the driver of a Acura TLX was traveling north bound, at high rate of speed north, in the 900 block of 14th Street, Northwest. The Acura proceeded through a red traffic light at the intersection of 14th and K Street, Northwest, and collided with a Hyundai Elantra, which was travelling east bound on K Street NW. The Acura pushed the Hyundai north bound through the intersection, where a BMW X5, collided with the driver’s side rear of the Acura. The BMW was initially travelling east bound, in the left lane of the 1400 block of K Street prior to the crash. As the BMW and Acura slid north bound through the intersection, a Nissan Maxima that was travelling west bound in the 1300 block of K Street NW, collided with the passenger side of the Acura. The Acura, BMW, and the Nissan came to final rest in the northeast corner of the intersection. The Hyundai departed from the Acura and momentum of the collision caused the Hyundai to travel sideways where the vehicle came to final rest on the northeast sidewalk of 14th and K Street NW. The driver and passenger of the Acura both fled the scene on foot. DC Fire and EMS transported the operator of the Hyundai to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The drivers of the BMW and Nissan were treated on scene and released. On Sunday, July 4, 2021, after all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as 20 year-old Jamya Williams, of Greenbelt, MD. The persons and vehicle of interest were captured by a surveillance camera. 

RIP

Site of the slaying of Kenneth Cherry | 3800 block of Halley Terrace SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in the 3800 block of Halley Terrace SE, Washington DC. At approximately 1:37 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Shortly thereafter, members responded to a local hospital for the report of a walk-in shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers located the victim in the emergency room suffering from life-threatening injuries. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 20 year-old Kenneth Cherry, of Northeast DC. 

Memorial for Trecomey Logan | 1400 block of Smith Place SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, July 2, 2021, in the 1400 block of Smith Place SE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:22 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, members located an adult male victim, inside of a vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 38 year-old Trecomey Logan, of Stafford, VA.

May Mr. Logan rest in peace.

"Heaven Got Beautiful Angels" | memorials to Claudia Menjivar, Dayanna Gutierrez, and Carlos Gutierrez | 500 block Florida Ave Herndon VA

From a Herndon (Virginia) Police report:  Homicide 6/19/2021 500-blk Florida Ave, Herndon VA. Around 7:30 AM on Saturday, June 19, 2021, HPD received a call from Fairfax County Police Department regarding an incident that just occurred in Reston. A subject had died by suicide and prior to his death, he made statements regarding the welfare of three individuals: one adult and two juveniles. Based on the information received at the scene and from residents in Herndon, our officers responded to a home in the 500-block of Florida Avenue for a welfare check. Upon arriving on the scene, our officers located the bodies of the deceased victims in the home. We can confirm that the three were victims of a homicide. The case remains under investigation.

Excerpts from a report in The Washington Post: Family members on Sunday mourned the deaths of a woman and her two children, slain a day earlier in what Herndon police called a “horrific” triple homicide the day before Father’s Day. The woman was Claudia Menjivar, 34, and her two children, Dayana Gutierrez, 12, and Carlos Josué Gutierrez, 10, according to Erlinda Gutierrez, whose brother used to be in a relationship with Menjivar and is the father of the two children. The three died in their home in Herndon, police said. “She was a good mom to my nephews. She was a hard-working girl,” Erlinda Gutierrez said. “She didn’t have any problems with anyone.”

Few new details emerged Sunday about the killings, but police said the deaths appear to be linked to a suicide that took place early Saturday at a parking garage in nearby Reston. Fairfax County police responded just before 6 a.m. to a 911 call about “an emotionally disturbed person” at the parking garage, according to Fairfax police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. Officers arrived to find a man threatening to jump from the roof of the garage, which is at Reston Town Center.

Guglielmi said the man told police that people had been harmed inside a home in Herndon. Guglielmi said he does not know whether the man said he caused the harm. The man jumped from the roof about 6:30 a.m., despite officers’ efforts to prevent it, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Fairfax police then contacted Herndon police and asked them to check on the house the man had mentioned in Herndon. With assistance from neighbors, Herndon police entered the house in the 500 block of Florida Avenue. They found a “very horrific” scene, Herndon Police Chief Maggie A. DeBoard said. The three victims were found dead inside the home. DeBoard said investigators determined the man had “a personal relationship” with the adult victim. 

Erlinda Gutierrez said police contacted her brother to inform him that his former partner was the woman who died Saturday, along with their children. She said Menjivar is from El Salvador and worked as a housekeeper. The children were enrolled at Herndon Elementary School. Menjivar loved music, ranging from Mexican singer Chalino Sánchez’s 1990s song “Los Chismes” to contemporary Spanish-language music. Her biography on Facebook contains a lyric from La Makina’s “Nadie Se Muere”: “Nadie se muere por un amor que no le conviene,” which translates to, “Nobody dies for a love that does not suit them.” 

Erlinda Gutierrez said she and her family are struggling to process the deaths. “I don’t know why someone would do that to two innocent kids.” Saturday, she said, was Dayana Gutierrez’s 12th birthday."

I was very moved and saddened to document this large memorial site in a quiet garden apartment complex. There were many children playing nearby while I was there, and there were visitors paying the respects.

A terrible tragedy. May they all rest in peace, and their families and community heal and be comforted.

There is more information on the Herndon Patch site and on People magazine's site.

Ella-Mae Neal's Tree of Life | Memorial in the 1800 block of Q Street SE DC

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch seek assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle of interest in a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in the 1800 block of Q Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 10:09 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located an adult female victim, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 65 year-old Ella-Mae Neal, of Southeast DC.  

May her memory be for a blessing.

Roadside memorial for Harold Biddiex | 600 Block of Mellon Street SE DC

This striking shrine is just a half block off Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, May 29, 2021, in the 600 Block of Mellon Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:26 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located an adult male, inside of a vehicle, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as 35 year-old Harold Biddiex, of Greenbelt, MD. 

RIP.

Shrine for J’Lyn Quinones " In memory of a life beautifully lived" | Quinn Street and Southern Avenue, Prince George's County MD

A heartbreaking tragedy. 

From a PG County Police report: The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating the fatal shooting of 18-year-old J’Lyn Quinones of Suitland, MD. Quinones and a second female were shot in the unincorporated section of Capitol Heights. The second victim’s injuries are not considered life-threatening. Quinones was pregnant. Her unborn baby was delivered during emergency surgery and is currently in critical but stable condition. On April 20, 2021, at approximately 4:45 pm, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department observed Quinones and the second female victim in distress at the intersection of Rail Street and Southern Avenue in Southeast DC. The officers discovered they were both suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were rushed for emergency medical treatment. Quinones died of her injuries a short time later. The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect shot both victims as they were crossing Quinn Street toward Southern Avenue. The victims then ran down Southern Avenue and crossed into DC seeking help. 

Prayers for the life of the departed Ms. Quinones and for that of her now motherless baby.

Street memorial | 1500 block of Maryland Avenue NE DC

As there have been several memorials to homicide victims built in this small park at the intersections of H Street, Florida Avenue, Benning and Bladensburg Roads NE, I am not completely certain who this one was erected for. The most recent slaying in the area was of Kareem Elliot Watkins, who was killed in this block of Maryland Avenue NE on May 11th, 2021.

There was also a newborn child, Kyon Jones, who was killed close by on May 7th.

May they, and the community, have rest and be free from all troubles.

From a DC Police report:  Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue NE, Washington DC. At approximately 3:51 am, members of the Fifth District responded to the listed location for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, members located an adult male victim suffering from an apparent stab wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The decedent remained on the scene until being transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The decedent has been identified as 43 year-old Kareem Elliot Watkins, of Temple Hills, MD. 

From a DC Police report on the slaying of the infant Kyon Jones: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announce an arrest has been made in reference to a missing person / homicide investigation that occurred on Friday, May 7, 2021, in the 1500 block of Benning Road NE, Washington DC. At approximately 1:10 pm, members of the Fifth District responded to the listed location for the report of a check on the welfare of an infant child. Upon arrival, officers located the mother, who was unaware of the infant’s whereabouts. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Division responded to the scene and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the missing person’s disappearance. The missing person was identified as 2-month-old Kyon Jones, of Northeast DC.

 Based upon the suspicious nature of the missing person’s disappearance, the Homicide Branch assumed investigative responsibility of the case. The missing person’s remains have not been located at this time, however, based upon the information gathered during the investigation a suspect was identified and charged accordingly. Additionally, it was determined that this offense is domestic in nature. On Friday, May 14, 2021, 37 year-old Ladonia Boggs, of Northeast, DC, was arrested and charged with Felony Murder. 

Candles from the vigil for Kassius-Khon Glay | Emery Heights Community Center 5801 Georgia Ave NW DC

There was a large gathering at the Emery Heights Community Center to honor the memory of slain teenager, Kassius-Khon Glay. A deeply moving article about his life and the efforts of his parents to advocate for youth is in the Washington Post.

The markings on this basketball court come from the wax of the many candles lit for young Mr. Glay

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, May 28, 2021, in the 600 block of Upshur Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 11:51 am, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located a juvenile male and an adult male both suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the juvenile male victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent remained on the scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The adult male victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as 16 year-old Kassius-Khon Glay, of Northwest DC.