NBC Washington: DC Murder of Reporter Is One of Many Unsolved
The killing of reporter Charnice Milton one year ago Friday is one of many unsolved east of the Anacostia River. News4's Mark Segraves shows the "photographic morgue" a community activist made with photos of victims.
NBC Washington: One Year After Reporter Charnice Milton's Murder, Family Works to Turn Tragedy Into Turning Point
Every weekday morning before dawn, Francine Milton drives past the intersection where her daughter was killed. She used to steer her Mazda onto side streets to avoid the triangle in Southeast D.C. where Alabama Avenue, Good Hope Road and Naylor Road meet. But, listening to the Christian radio station WGTS on her way to work, she decided to face her fear head on.
"I can't walk in fear," she said. "I have to dwell on the positive, and I have to speak life. That's what we have to do: speak life at all times."
Charnice Milton was shot and killed as she waited for a bus the night of Wednesday, May 27, 2015. The 27-year-old reporter was hit by a stray bullet within sight of Skyland Town Center, the huge development site leaders say could change lives in Ward 7 and Ward 8.
As the first anniversary of Charnice's death approaches, local leaders and her family say the tragedy shines a spotlight on the problems and possibilities of the neighborhood. They are working to catch her killer, prevent violence and bring new life to a troubled intersection.