From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, in the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue NE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:46 pm, members of the Fifth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male victim 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 of non-life threatening injuries. Additionally, an unconscious adult male was located inside of a hallway of a residential building, at the listed location, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A second adult male victim was located inside of an apartment, in the same residential building, suffering from a gunshot wound. The identity of the first decedent is Jakeem Chandler, 28, of Danville, VA. The second decedent has been identified as Montrell Lucas, 18, of Alexandria, VA. The information gathered at the scene suggests that this offense occurred inside a residence at the listed location. 

This neighborhood in Northeast DC is rapidly gentrifying. I was unable to find a street memorial for these two young men, whose lives were cut short by violence. 

May there be justice and may their loved ones be comforted and sustained.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday, August 22, 2019, in the 3400 block of 18th Street SE, Washington DC.

At approximately 10:02 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the 1700 block of Trenton Place, Southeast, for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located an unconscious adult male victim, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the 3400 block of 18th Street, Southeast. 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 Ronald Brown, 28, of Southeast DC.

Someone cares.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle of interest in reference to a homicide that occurred on Monday, August 10, 2020, in the 5500 block of 9th Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 9:34 pm, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. Additionally, officers located a second victim, an adult male, suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as Taijhon Wyatt, Jr., 17, of Northeast DC. 

This young man's life was lost in an alley in the Petworth neighborhood. May there be peace for him, his family, and for the community.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday, August 6, 2020, in the 600 block of 46th Place SE, Washington DC. At approximately 5:47 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. A second adult male was located at the scene, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. Additionally, a juvenile male walked into a local hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as Michael Brittingham, 26, of Northeast DC. 

I spoke briefly to a person at this site, and he expressed a thoughtful desire for a wiser more peaceful situation for his community.

Deon Kay was recently shot to death by a Washington DC (MPD) police officer. A video of the shooting is online. An investigation is underway. There have been several protests at police stations and other city offices, and a heavily-attended vigil in his honor was held.

Two memorials to him have been erected, one at the site of his slaying, and another a few blocks away, near his residence. Graffiti is also beginning to appear in other parts of the city.

From a DC Police report: "Agents from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, in the 200 block of Orange Street SE, Washington DC.

At approximately 3:51 pm, uniformed patrol officers of the Seventh District responded to the listed location to investigate a man with a gun. Upon arrival, officers encountered individuals in and around a vehicle. Upon seeing the officers, two of the suspects fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, one of the suspects brandished a firearm. In response, an officer discharged their firearm one time, striking the suspect. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the suspect to an area hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. After all life-saving efforts failed, the suspect was pronounced dead. The other suspect made good their escape and was not apprehended. The decedent has been identified as Deon Kay, 18, of Southeast DC. The decedent’s handgun was recovered.

Additionally, Marcyelle Smith, 19, of Southeast DC, was found to be in possession of a handgun, He was arrested and charged for Carrying a Pistol Without a License and Deonte Brown, 18, of Southeast, DC was arrested and charged with No Permit.

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, pursuant to MPD policy. Responding officers activated their body worn cameras. That footage is currently under review."

Additional material on this tragic situation is in an article in the Washington Post.

I spoke with one of his aunts, who said there is more to this situation than meets the eye. The family is in deep grief. I also briefly spoke with a young woman who was silently weeping by the shrine at the site of his shooting. 

All of this is deeply sad. 

May there be peace and justice for all concerned.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday, July 8, 2019, in the 3900 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SW, Washington DC. At approximately 12:02 am, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members located three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victims to local hospitals for treatment. A short time later, members were notified of a fourth victim who sought treatment at an area hospital for a non-life threatening gunshot wound. After all lifesaving efforts failed, one of the transported victims was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Anfernee Vernon Walker, 22, of Southeast, DC.

From Washington City Paper: 

"Anfernee Vernon Walker was Nicole Harper’s second child. “When he was small he was so lovable,” she says. “People loved him. They asked me, could they have him?” Her happy baby was “always smiling, always smiling. It was never a dull moment with Anfernee, never.” As an adult, she says, “He had a good heart. And he helped anybody out that he could. He was a family person, he loved his family. He loved his kids.”

He had two little ones, and he had just moved in with their mother, his partner. “They had big plans together,” says his mom. He was working toward getting a second job. “He tried not to let too much stuff bother him,” says Nicole. “But I knew when stuff was bothering him, like when we lost my mom. That took a toll on him. When my 17-year-old was shot, that took a toll on him, too.”

Anfernee’s father named him for a basketball player, and he grew up loving to play basketball and football too. He had the nickname Smoke. “Everybody loved Smoke,” says Nicole. “He was a kindhearted person. If he had it, you had it.” 

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday, October 5, 2020, in the 400 block of Orange Street SE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:30 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located four victims suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported an adult male victim to a local hospital for treatment of a life threatening gunshot wound. Additionally, another adult male and two adult female victims were also transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening gunshot wounds. On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the first male victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Bobby Plummer, 42, of no fixed address. 

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, September 11, 2020, in the 700 block of 51st Street NE, Washington DC. At approximately 12:43 am, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, inside a residence, suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and determined that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedent has been identified as Stephen Magruder, 49, of Northeast DC. 

There are two shrines about 75 feet apart in this small dead-end street. As there have been other slayings in this block, I am uncertain which one honors Mr. Magruder.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, in the 1100 block of 45th Street NE, Washington DC. At approximately 9:08 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. 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 where after all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Michael Bright, 30 of Northeast DC. 

This shrine to Mr. Bright was erected on Lee Street NE, one half block off 45th Street.

RIP.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2020, in the 1700 block of Irving Street NE, Washington DC. At approximately 2:05 pm, members of the Fifth District responded to the listed location for the report of a burglary in progress and the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, members located two adult males suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that both victims displayed no signs consistent with life. The decedents have been identified as Marcus Nelson, 59, and Simmeon Williams, 39, both of Northeast DC.  

This sad situation occurred in the generally peaceful Brookland neighborhood. May peace return.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, September 18, 2020, in the 2300 block of Ainger Place SE, Washington DC. At approximately 9:00 pm, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from gunshot wounds. Upon canvassing the area, officers located an adult female suffering from a graze wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and determined that the adult male victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The adult female victim was treated on scene for non-life threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as Marcos Brooks, 56, of Beltsville, MD. 

I do not know for certain if this collection of balloons is meant as a memorial for Mr. Brooks. I documented it in the  Woodland Terrace community, in the block where he was slain. 

RIP

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday, August 28, 2020, in the 1100 block of Barnaby Terrace SE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:47 am, 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 multiple gunshot wounds. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Erik Butler, 28, of Southeast DC. 

I spoke with two young men at this site. They expressed care for their neighbor, and hope the ongoing wave of violence would end.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, in the 600 block of N Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 9:24 pm, members of the Third District heard the sounds of gunshots and responded to the listed location. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Edward Johnson, 31, of No Fixed Address. 

RIP

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday, October 5, 2020, in 1100 block of 1st Street NW, Washington DC. At approximately 2:33 pm, members of the First District responded to the listed location after hearing the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Demetri Harvin, 31, of Northwest DC. 

This memorial to Mr. Marvin is on the edge of the rapidly-changing Sursum Corda community.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2020, in the 4500 block of Quarles Street NE, Washington DC. At approximately 2:15 pm, members of the Sixth District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. While investigating, MPD was notified that an adult male victim was taken by private vehicle to a local hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. After all lifesaving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as Darnell Mack, 25, of Northeast, DC. 

There were three young women grieving at the site while I was documenting this memorial. The pain expressed in their faces was heartbreaking.

Peace peace peace. To all.

 A piece I recently collaborated on with Grammy-winning trumpeter/composer, Frank London.

Memory and respect.

Street shrine to an unknown person in the 1000 block of Emerson St NW, Washington DC, at Georgia Avenue.

"You are loved forever"

From a DC Police report: NW Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, in the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC. At approximately 10:35 pm, members of the Fourth District responded to the listed location for the sounds of gunshots. 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 where after all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. Additionally, members located a second victim, an adult female, inside of a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The decedent has been identified as 24-year-old Terrence Jones, of Northwest, DC.

RIP

From a Fairfax County VA police report: Franconia Police District – Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau are continuing to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred this morning. Officers responded to the Diamond Lounge at 7203 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Virginia, around 2:12 a.m.October 30, 2020,  for a reported shooting. Upon their arrival, officers found Samuel Njikang, 27, of Woodbridge, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body. Njikang was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Preliminarily, detectives believe Njikang was involved in an altercation with a group of people in the parking lot after leaving the lounge. During the course of the altercation, he was shot. This is an active investigation and detectives continue to conduct interviews, process evidence, and canvass the area for witnesses.

This large shrine to the memory of Mr. Njikang is at the edge of the Diamond nightclub parking lot.

From a DC Police report: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday, November 9, 2020, in the 1400 Block of Howard Road SE, Washington DC. At approximately 8:55 am, members of the Seventh District responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting. 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 transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. On Tuesday, November 10. 2020, the decedent succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 25 year-old Martez Jackson, of District Heights, MD.