A D.C. woman’s body was found in a dumpster at a shopping center in Northeast days after she was reported missing, authorities say.
Donella Bryan was the victim, and a homicide investigation is underway, police said Monday. She was 62.
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WATCH HEREBryan's body was found Saturday in the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue NE, police said.
According to a missing person flyer, she was last seen Thursday afternoon near her home in the 300 block of N Street NE, about a mile-and-a-half away. The location is in the NoMa area, near Union Market.
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SIGN UP Bryan was reported missing the following day.
Officers went to the area just after 8 a.m. because someone reported seeing an unconscious person in the dumpster, police said. D.C. Fire and EMS also responded and pronounced Bryan dead.
A medical examiner ruled on Sunday that Bryan's death was a homicide and she died of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.
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Police have not given any further information or said if there are any suspects in the case.
'Someone's mother, daughter'
Residents told News4 they were disturbed by the violent crime.
“That’s crazy,” said Tonya Jefferson, who lives nearby. “I mean, I've been over there where I’ve seen a man shot dead right there by the steps, so it’s nothing unusual for around here.”
“Oh wow, that’s someone’s mother, daughter, something, wow,” said Aja Bryce, a D.C. resident. “I’m just in shock.”
While the investigation continues, residents like Bryce said they're thinking twice about visiting the shopping center. She said she recently moved away from the area, and the killing reinforces her decision to leave.
“I moved from this area for a reason – because it's too much that goes on in this area, and for my kids’ safety, I moved from this area,” Bryce said. “So, to now hear that that happened, it’s just unbelievable.”
Investigators asked anyone with potentially relevant information to call 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.
The Metropolitan Police Department offers a $25,000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a homicide.
