A Routine Evening Turns Tragic

On the evening of January 10, 2004, the bustling U Street corridor in Washington, D.C., was winding down. Vendors at the flea market located at 14th and V Streets NW were packing up their merchandise, anticipating the end of another business day. Among them were Anthony Clifford Parks and his wife, Debbie, who had been selling clothing to supplement their income. As the sun set and temperatures dropped, the couple began closing their stall, unaware that their lives were about to change irrevocably.

A Sudden and Unprovoked Attack

At approximately 6:30 p.m., two men approached the Parks' stall. Without warning, one of the men drew a firearm and shot 48-year-old Anthony in the chest. The assailants then fled the scene, leaving Anthony mortally wounded and Debbie in shock. Despite the presence of other vendors and potential witnesses, the attack was swift, and the perpetrators vanished into the evening shadows. ...Read More