Educator, Godfather Mourn 17-Year-Old Tristan Johnson Killed In DC Shooting: ‘Gone Too Soon’ Educator, Godfather Mourn 17-Year-Old Tristan Johnson Killed In DC Shooting: ‘Gone Too Soon’
Educator, Godfather Mourn 17-Year-Old Tristan Johnson Killed In DC Shooting: ‘Gone Too Soon’ Tristan Johnson’s life was just beginning when it was cut short by gunfire in Southeast DC. The 17-year-old was killed on Saturday, Nov. 8, in what loved ones are calling a senseless act of violence that has left family, friends, and mentors grieving across the District. Davian Morgan, an educator who said he met Tristan when the boy was in first grade, described him as more than a student — he was family. “As an educator, nothing prepares you for the experience of losing a student — especially the one you were the closest to,” Morgan wrote in a Facebook post. “I met my godson, Tristan, wh…
New Ledo Pizza. Same Giant Heart. Virginia Store Reopens With Thanksgiving-Themed Giveaway New Ledo Pizza. Same Giant Heart. Virginia Store Reopens With Thanksgiving-Themed Giveaway
New Ledo Pizza. Same Giant Heart. Virginia Store Reopens With Thanksgiving-Themed Giveaway It’s officially turkey season — and Fredericksburg’s Giant Food is kicking it off with a major store upgrade and a big act of generosity. The supermarket chain announced the grand reopening of its location on Celebrate Virginia Parkway, complete with expanded departments, enhanced amenities, and a brand-new Ledo Pizza Corner Shoppe — the first of its kind for Giant Food. Shoppers can now grab the same pastry-thin, square-crust Ledo pizza and sweet tomato sauce that’s been a Maryland favorite for nearly 70 years, right inside their local Giant. To celebrate, the company is also donating 1,0…
Virginia Artist Remembered After Deadly Sterling Fire: ‘She Filled Her World With Music’ Virginia Artist Remembered After Deadly Sterling Fire: ‘She Filled Her World With Music’
Virginia Artist Remembered After Deadly Sterling Fire: ‘She Filled Her World With Music’ Madelaine Samantha Akers would have been 37 years old today.  Instead, family and friends are preparing to celebrate her life — a life filled with music, creativity, and compassion — cut short one week ago in a devastating fire that tore through a row of Sterling townhomes. According to the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office, crews were called to the 20000 block of Riptide Square shortly after 1 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, where heavy flames had already engulfed two homes and spread to a third.  Firefighters were forced to battle the blaze from the outside after mu…
Always A Fighter’: Virginia Tech Swimmer Lauren Barakey Facing Long Recovery, Family Says Always A Fighter’: Virginia Tech Swimmer Lauren Barakey Facing Long Recovery, Family Says
Always A Fighter’: Virginia Tech Swimmer Lauren Barakey Facing Long Recovery, Family Says A 23-year-old recent Virginia Tech graduate and former college swimmer is facing a long and difficult recovery after falling seriously ill — and the community that knows her best is rallying behind her. Lauren Barakey, a Virginia Beach native and 2024 Virginia Tech alum, is known to friends and teammates for her strength, determination, and kindness.  Her family confirmed that she is “seriously ill” and facing a “long and challenging road to recovery,” according to posts shared by loved ones and a GoFundMe campaign launched this week. The former Hokies swimmer, who graduated in May wi…
‘He Was Family’: Shock, Grief After Sudden Death Of Beloved Maryland Father Matt Mason ‘He Was Family’: Shock, Grief After Sudden Death Of Beloved Maryland Father Matt Mason
‘He Was Family’: Shock, Grief After Sudden Death Of Beloved Maryland Father Matt Mason Shock, heartbreak, and disbelief are spreading across Maryland after the sudden and unexpected death of Matt Mason, a beloved father, loyal friend, and man remembered for the love and laughter he shared so freely with everyone around him. His death was reported on Wednesday, Oct. 15, according to loved ones, who said that their "hearts were shattered by the sudden and tragic loss."  “Matt had a beautiful soul,” friend Peque Sells said. “He was the type of person who would drop everything to help someone in need, who made people feel safe, loved, and supported, and who brought laughter…
‘He Deserves To Be Laid To Rest’: Maryland Man Killed In Head-On Crash Mourned By Family ‘He Deserves To Be Laid To Rest’: Maryland Man Killed In Head-On Crash Mourned By Family
‘He Deserves To Be Laid To Rest’: Maryland Man Killed In Head-On Crash Mourned By Family A fatal crash in Dundalk is under investigation after a vehicle crossed the center line and struck another head-on, killing one driver and sending another to the hospital, authorities said. According to Baltimore County Police, 40-year-old Nicholas Weber was behind the wheel of a 2024 Honda Accord traveling eastbound on North Point Road around 9:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, before the fatal crash. Investigators said that Weber’s vehicle swerved across the solid double yellow line in the 3700 block of North Point Road and collided with a 2017 Chevy Silverado. Weber was rushed to an area hosp…
Community Grieves Slain 30-Year-Old Simon Getachew: ‘More Than a Friend, He Was Family’ Community Grieves Slain 30-Year-Old Simon Getachew: ‘More Than a Friend, He Was Family’
Community Grieves Slain 30-Year-Old Simon Getachew: ‘More Than a Friend, He Was Family’ A community is "in shock and deep sorrow" after 30-year-old Simon Getachew was gunned down in DC.  Shortly after 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were called to the 3800 block of 9th Street SE, where they found Getachew suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Simon Getachew Metropolitan Police Department Now, friends and well-wishers are rallying around Getachew's family as they hope to honor someone described as "more than a friend — he was family to everyone who knew him."  "He had a beautiful s…
‘He Made Everyone Feel Loved’: Virginia Father Remembered After Fatal Lynchburg Shooting ‘He Made Everyone Feel Loved’: Virginia Father Remembered After Fatal Lynchburg Shooting
‘He Made Everyone Feel Loved’: Virginia Father Remembered After Fatal Lynchburg Shooting A beloved Virginia husband and stepfather who was shot and killed is being remembered as a kindhearted soul who made everyone around him feel loved. Anthony Wayne “Tony” Cupec, 45, was fatally shot on the evening of Oct. 8 near Pierce Street and 12th Street, according to the Lynchburg Police Department. Investigators said officers responded around 9 p.m. for a report of shots fired and found Cupec suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Lynchburg General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said Cupec and another man had been arguing when the suspect, identified as 43-yea…
Virginia Toddler Mauled by Family Dog Faces Painful Recovery After Multiple Surgeries Virginia Toddler Mauled by Family Dog Faces Painful Recovery After Multiple Surgeries
Virginia Toddler Mauled by Family Dog Faces Painful Recovery After Multiple Surgeries A Virginia family is sharing their heartbreak — and their gratitude — after a sudden dog attack left 16-month-old Carmen McGuire with serious facial injuries and a long road to recovery. Carmen’s mother, Alette Nicole McGuire, said the attack happened on Monday, Sept. 22, when the dog mauled the toddler, sending her to the hospital for emergency surgery with a plastic surgeon. “This is extremely hard for me to share but I’m here asking for help,” Alette McGuire wrote on Saturday, Oct. 11. “Carmen was attacked by our dog and had to have emergency surgery with a plastic surgeon on her fa…
‘He Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him’: 18-Year-Old Dies in Tragic Maryland Crash ‘He Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him’: 18-Year-Old Dies in Tragic Maryland Crash
‘He Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him’: 18-Year-Old Dies in Tragic Maryland Crash Eighteen-year-old Austin Lautenschlager was known for his heart and humor — a life cut short in a crash that’s left his loved ones shattered. Lautenschlager was one of two teens — along with David Santos III, 19 — killed when their vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a tree in Essex, according to the Baltimore Police Department. Officers were called around 12:50 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, to the 2200 block of Holly Neck Road for a reported single-vehicle crash involving a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, according to investigators. Detectives determined the Malibu had been traveling westbound wh…
‘A Hard-Fought Battle’: PG County Officer Alex Belcher Remembered For Service And Kindness ‘A Hard-Fought Battle’: PG County Officer Alex Belcher Remembered For Service And Kindness
‘A Hard-Fought Battle’: PG County Officer Alex Belcher Remembered For Service And Kindness The Prince George’s County Police Department is mourning one of its own after Officer First Class Alex Belcher — a seven-year veteran remembered for his warmth, dedication, and quiet strength — passed away on Oct. 8, following what the department called “a hard-fought medical battle.” Belcher, 32, spent his entire career serving District I in Hyattsville, most recently with Shift 4, Squad 42, and was a proud member of Academy Session 139. Belcher earned multiple letters of commendation, a Unit Citation, and a Life Saving Award. He was named Officer of the Month multiple times and was recen…
Horror In Maryland: 11-Year-Old Child Struck, Killed By School Bus (UPDATED) Horror In Maryland: 11-Year-Old Child Struck, Killed By School Bus (UPDATED)
Horror In Maryland: 11-Year-Old Child Struck, Killed By School Bus (Updated) A Montgomery County community is reeling after an 11-year-old child was struck and killed by a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) bus Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9, near Russett Road and Bauer Drive, officials said. Details surrounding the crash remain under investigation, but county leaders are already expressing heartbreak and support for the family and students affected. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released a statement Thursday evening calling the incident “every parent’s worst nightmare” and urging residents to rally around the community as they grieve. “This afternoon’s …