Lenny Harris found dead: Gunshot wound killed community activist
It took police, firefighters and private excavators 53 hours to remove the decomposed body of Alexandria activist Lenny Harris from a 25 foot deep well near a home in Fort Washington.
Once his remains were out, it was clear he had been killed by a gunshot wound to the head.
Now the focus is on finding the killer and the person who called 911 to tell authorities where to look months after Harris vanished.
Police said the call was very specific. In a well, they would find the body of Lenny Harris.
Sources say the caller used a disposable cell phone to make the 911 call, but they have not given up on making an ID.
"We're looking at every aspect of this issue, this crime, beginning with the caller back to September," said Chief Mark Magaw.
Harris, 53, was last seen alive September 21 at 9 p.m. at a rec center in Alexandria. Three hours later somebody in a white minivan tried to use his credit card in Prince George's County. One hour after that, a man with a distinctive tattoo on his arm used Harris' card in Alexandria.
Harris' car was found about a month after he disappeared.
Alexandria's Chief of Police hopes the mystery of his death can be solved. Like many, he knew Harris well.
"He fought for issues all the way from government facilities for disadvantaged or minorities," said Chief Earl Cook. "Other times it was simply issues about funding and housing."
David Hough of Alexandria says he first met Harris at one of the many events in which he was involved at the Rec Center. He knew him as a man who wanted to help people. He finds his violent death hard to comprehend.
"I'm so sad to hear that," Hough said. "I mean, I don't understand it."
RecommendedRecent Facebook Activity
Only On 7
-
Leon Harris and Alison Starling weeknights on ABC7
For all the breaking stories happening in your neighborhood and developing stories happening around the world, join Leon Harris and Alison Starling weeknights on ABC7 News at 5 and 11.
TBD Blogs What you need to read
-
@TBD Arts
Glittarazzi's going vigilante on city's criminals
-
@TBD On Foot
11,000 people a month walk and bike D.C.'s Met Branch Trail
Best of TBD In case you missed it
-
13 ways D.C. is better than NYC
Hey, no city's perfect!

31 Comments
MORE COMMENTS