Another name has been added to the growing list of unsolved murders in D.C., as authorities continue to search for suspects in the Oct. 13 fatal stabbing of James Patrick Tenor Jr., a Northwest resident. Police said Tenor, also known as “Jimmy,” was stabbed to death near his home in the 400 block of Buchanan Street, NW around 9:15 p.m. on Oct. 13. D.C. police officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a man down in the Petworth neighborhood.
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Tenor was found behind a residence in the 400 block alleyway suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene, authorities said.
The Metropolitan Police Department said it is currently working to solve the case, including what may have led to the attack. “No arrests have been made and the case is still under investigation, including motive,” Hugh Carew, department spokesman, told the AFRO Oct. 27.
The slaying took place in what used to be a peaceful community, according to the victim’s neighbors.
“It’s terrible it used to be quiet,” Bradley Broadus told the AFRO Oct. 29. He said he has lived in the area all of his life. Broadus, 63, said there was little crime in the area years ago, but now shootings and robberies happen often. “They took an upper class ghetto and made it to a Southeast ghetto,” he continued referring to Southeast’s reputation of being a crime infested quadrant.
Broadus who lives on the corner of Buchanan Street and Illinois Avenue said Tenor was a “good guy” and that he “would help anybody.” Broadus said Tenor cut his grass for him multiple times and would always help out around the neighborhood whenever anyone asked.
Broadus said he thinks the stabbing was the result of a robbery and the murderer saw Tenor as a target. He added that Tenor wasn’t involved in any criminal activity to his knowledge.
According to the Petworth resident, the majority of the crime in the area is the result of gang violence and youngsters getting into trouble. He said if police patrolled the area more frequently incidents like the killing of Tenor may be prevented.
“It’s sad,” Ozioma Onwuvuche, another neighbor, said. Onwuvuche studies chemistry at Trinity University and said that although she feels safe in the area, due to recent violence she is more cautious.