Frankly, I’ve come to expect far more respectful reporting from the Blade and it’s disappointing to me to see that quality standard not being reflected here.

A person in a video clip could be just a regular neighborhood passerby– who might provide a piece of additional information to MPD’s investigation. Someone else might recognize his particular clothing, e.g., and can provide MPD his name or residence. Consider that maybe he saw a suspected perp get into a car, and can provide some kind of vehicle description, or license plate info, etc.

It’s tempting to assume a lot from a video– or even from press reports. And MPD may, for very good investigative reasons, be holding certain information back from public reports.

The important thing is that people with any information at all about a crime or the people involved– no matter how unimportant it may seem– call MPD or MPD’s anonymous tip line noted in Lou’s reporting and MPD’s crime update.

As reported above, the MPD statement (copied immediately below) was distributed last night– apparently to all MPD district listservs.

Whether a hate crime or not, it is important that MPD telegraph to EVERYONE– the public at large, MPD officers and, especially, perpetrators and would-be perpetrators, that MPD takes violent crimes against LGBT people very seriously. It is easy to forget that MPD’s (and USAO-DC’s) ability/ opportunity to deter future assaults and homicides begins at the start of every investigation and runs throughout the criminal justice process.

Thanks to MPD communications and MPD-SLU for getting info about this case more widely distributed.
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Contact: Officer Araz Alali 202-727-4383

February 3, 2012

***UPDATED***

Person of Interest Sought in Homicide in the 4900 Block of East Capitol Street, Northeast

(Washington, DC)-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced the victim has been identified in the fatal stabbing which occurred in the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, Northeast and a person of interest is being sought.

On Thursday, February 2, 2012, at approximately 8:13 pm, a Metro Transit Police Officer was flagged down for an assault at a bus stop in the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, Northeast. Upon arrival, the officer located a transgender female, who was unconscious and unresponsive suffering from a stab wound. Units from the Sixth District and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was admitted in critical condition.

On Friday, February 3, 2012, at 2:35 am, the victim was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as 23-year-old JaParker Jones of Northeast, Washington, DC, who is also known as “Deoni” and “Logan.”

Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the subject crossing the middle of the intersection in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRonRazhiCA .The subject in the video is seen crossing the street toward the top of the screen as he approaches the bus stop. He is described as a black male with medium complexion, 30-40 years of age, with a beard. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black jacket with a gray hooded sweatshirt underneath.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.