News
Aaron J. ‘AJ’ Williams, 26
A local gay man who had worked at Secrets, the Fireplace and most recently Remington’s died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Silver Spring, Md.
AJ Williams
A local gay man who had worked at Secrets, the Fireplace and most recently Remington’s died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Silver Spring, Md., at about 2:43 a.m. on June 6.
Aaron J. “AJ” Williams was 26 and lived in Langley Park, Md., according to friends including his boyfriend, Walter Somarriba. A memorial service was held Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Landover, Md.
Williams was born April 7, 1987.
Secrets bartender Russell Schuerch says he got to know Williams first as a customer and then more later when Williams came on staff as a bar back.
“After a while we got to be good friends,” Williams says. “You have your bar friends and then friends who become close enough that you’re friends outside the bar too and that’s how we were. He easily transitioned over to being a personal friend and I helped him get on at Secrets.”
Schuerch says Williams worked there about six or nine months for a stint about two years ago. He eventually left because the Fireplace offered him more hours, Schuerch said.
Somarriba, 21, says he and Williams had been dating nearly a year and met each other on a Metro train near Fort Totten. They lived together in Langley Park and moved in together after just a few dates.
“AJ accepted me for who I am and we just clicked,” Somarriba said. “He just believed in me and gave me my first job, my first phone. He pushed me a lot and had the greatest influence on my life. He helped me a lot.”
Williams was a native of the D.C. area. Somarriba says he had family in the area and had introduced Somarriba to his mother “just recently.”
“He was not really that close with his family but he did talk to them,” Somarriba said.
NBC 4 Washington reported that the car Williams was driving crashed into a brick wall at University Boulevard West and Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring. The gray 2009 Honda Civic was traveling eastbound when the driver lost control while attempting to go around a curve, NBC reported. The car struck a tree and a brick wall before stopping in the parking lot of 401 University Boulevard West. Williams was taken to MedStar along with a passenger. Williams died soon after and the passenger, identified as Jose Adolfo Alvarado Castillo, 31, sustained serious injuries, according to a WUSA Channel 9 report of the crash.
Somarriba said Williams was a good person.
“He was loved by all and touched a lot of hearts,” Somarriba said.
Friends are collecting money to cover his funeral expenses. Those interested in donating can search his name — Aaron Jerel Williams — at youcaring.com.
Maryland
‘Girlfriends’ wanted for murder in Silver Spring, Md.
Montgomery County police say two charged with killing mother of one of them
The Montgomery County, Md., Department of Police announced on June 4 that it is seeking the public’s help in locating two women, who they identify as a couple, who are charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing the mother of one of them.
In a statement police identified the two women as Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson of Clarksburg, Md., and her girlfriend Samantha Raebel of Phoenix, Ariz. The statement says the two are charged with the murder of Hilde Henderson, 67, the mother of Vanessa.
According to the statement, officers with the department’s 3rd District found Hilde Henderson deceased on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at her home at the Charter House apartments in the 1300 block of Fenwick Lane in Silver Spring after being called to check on the resident’s welfare.
“Henderson was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy was conducted,” the statement says. “The cause of death was ruled a homicide.”
It adds, “Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Henderson’s daughter, Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson and Vanessa’s girlfriend, Raeble, as the suspects.” It says detectives obtained an arrest warrant against the two women, charging both with first-degree murder.
“Anyone with information regarding the location of these suspects or this crime is asked to call 911 or to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, Md. website at crimesolversmcmd.org,” the statement says, or to call the tip line at 1-866-411-8477.
“Tips with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward from $250 up to $10,000,” it says, adding that tips may remain anonymous.
A spokesperson for Montgomery County police didn’t immediately respond to a request from the Washington Blade for information not disclosed in the police statement, including the physical-medical cause of death for Hilde Henderson and whether detectives have determined a motive for the murder.
National
Madonna turns Times Square into massive dance floor
Pop icon celebrates Pride month with surprise performance
Pop icon Madonna celebrated Pride month with a pop-up performance in New York City’s Times Square on Thursday to the delight of 50,000 fans.
She performed for about 15 minutes high above street level, including several songs from her new album “Confessions II” due on July 3, along with a trio of songs from the first “Confessions on a Dance Floor.”
In addition to the brand new “Love Sensation,” she performed “I Feel So Free” and “Bring Your Love,” plus “Hung Up,” “Get Together” and “I Love New York.” She wished the crowd a happy Pride season; the event was shared with audiences through Grindr’s first-ever livestream.
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Emma LaPointe as its summer intern.
Emma is studying journalism, political science, and German studies at the University of Arizona. She is from Tucson, Ariz., and is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am super excited to spend my summer with the Washington Blade and to learn more about D.C.,” said Emma. “I have loved reporting on the LGBTQ+ community back in Tucson, and I am excited to continue the work here.”
Emma’s internship will end on July 31.
‘Girlfriends’ wanted for murder in Silver Spring, Md.
Queer Magic dance party planned
NLGJA-DC Pride happy hour at Trade
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday
Calendar: June 5-11
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Hungarian authorities lift Budapest Pride ban
Advocates push back on proposed FCC warning labels
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