Some seriously grim news from MPD to help put an end to your holly jolly holiday spirit. NBC4 is reporting that there were a total of five shootings in the District last night, at least three of which resulted in fatalities. None of the shootings were related, and took place in various corners of the District — including Park Rd. NW, Crittenden St., V Street NW, Butler St. SE, and Birney Pl. SE.

Coming at a time when the city has been busy patting itself on the back for the relative success that the Crime Emergency measures have had in reducing our crime statistics, this news is a terribly sad and rude awakening that violent crime, and especially murder, continues to be terrorize our city. Although before we all start getting too despondent, let’s remember that even with three more overnight, the number of murders this year is down significantly from last year, and is part of an overall downward trend that began ten years ago. Just look at the stats we linked to — it’s impossible to deny that things are better than they used to be.

On the same token, of course, five shootings in one night is just overwhelming to think about. It goes without saying that despite the gains made under Chief Ramsey, incoming Police Chief Kathy Lanier has her work cut out for her. None of the victims have been identified yet, but our thoughts go out to their families and loved ones. We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind you about the Crime Solvers program, which has recently launched a new online feature with case files from 4,000 unsolved homicides dating from as far back at 1962. There is a $25,000 reward out there for anyone who has information to help solve these murders.

Photo by James W. Bailey