Detective Marcellus Ward

This death has haunted me from time-to-time for 35 years.

I was 24 years old, in law school in Chicago, but in D.C. visiting my then-girlfriend.

The News Anchor warned that the undercover audiotape was vivid. I should have followed the warning and stop listening.

I recall as I type, Detective Ward trying to talk sense to the bad guy dope dealer. I recall the dope dealer telling Detective Ward to "get down!"

The bad guy coward repeated three times, "get down!"

Each time he said it, he shot Detective Ward. My brain will not let go of or silence the muffled sound of each gunshot.

Most tragically, I still hear Detective Ward respond with a painful, "Oooh," to each shot.

I pray that his Wife, his Children, and his other loved ones have found some meaningful degree of peace.

Please know that Detective Ward is remembered and deeply honored.

George, a former AUSA
United States Attorney's Office

July 22, 2019