Accident – Death – Obituary News :
As the calendar turned to February in Washington, D.C., the city experienced a troubling uptick in violent crime. According to data compiled by D.C. Witness, there was a 77 percent increase in homicides and a 69 percent increase in non-fatal shootings compared to the previous month.
Incidents Across the City
Throughout the month, the city saw a number of tragic incidents unfold in various neighborhoods. One such incident occurred on the evening of February 10th, when officers were alerted to a stabbing at the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW. The victim, identified as 70-year-old James Gaylor, succumbed to his injuries the following day. His daughter, Brittany Gaylor, was arrested and charged in connection with the attack.
On February 14th, officers responded to a call at the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE, where a suspect wanted for animal cruelty allegedly opened fire on police officers before barricading himself inside a residence. After a tense standoff, the suspect, identified as Stephen Claude Rattigan, was taken into custody.
Unsolved Cases
Despite efforts by law enforcement, there are still numerous cases from February that remain unsolved. One such case involved the discovery of three individuals found dead from gunshot wounds at an apartment on Jay Street, NE. The victims, identified as Renee Bigelow, Kimberly Stevens, and Leon Harper, have yet to see justice served.
Overall, the data from D.C. Witness paints a sobering picture of the violence that plagued the city in February. As of the end of the month, there are at least 19 incidents that have not resulted in any arrests or named suspects.
As the community grapples with these troubling trends, it is important to come together to support efforts to address the root causes of violence and work towards a safer future for all residents of Washington, D.C.
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