Our Story
D.C. Witness was created to track every homicide in the District of Columbia and to provide eager and young journalists, and those interested in crime and law enforcement, a chance to cover untold stories and to hone the skills required to do it.
A main pillar of D.C. Witness’ mission is to report on homicides so they won’t go forgotten and to inform the residents of D.C. about the neighbors they lost just a few streets over. We seek to tally the deaths and the details of each crime because there is a bigger story about death in our city than just a series of data points.
To do that, we have a staff working to cover each case, but also seek input from the community.
The site launched in July, originally under the name “Capitol Justice.” In February, the site re-launched with a new name and website. This website will evolve and upgrade through the conversations we have, feedback we receive and relationships as they grow. Much of our information is divided into sections about “who,” “what,” “where” and “when.” To the “how” and the “why” on this site, we seek community input. That input can come in the form of photos sent to us to identify a victim, or coverage suggestions—or pointing out our errors and comments. Tributes can also be posted in the comments section on the site.
The editor of D.C. Witness is LaTrina Antoine. She can be reached at [email protected].
In addition to its coverage efforts, D.C. Witness is working to provide student journalists with the opportunity to experience meaningful journalism first-hand. Students work four days a week to help maintain the site and update coverage. To inquire about interning for D.C. Witness, please contact the editor. Students are eligible for this internship exclusively through the Washington Media Institute.
****D.C. Witness acts as a news organization and does not endorse or side with any particular party. Our objective is to remain a fair and unbiased source of information.
