Black Queer D.C. Man Dalonte Jackson Killed in Brutal Attack; Family Suspects Hate Crime

Last month, over Memorial Day weekend, Dalonte Lamont Jackson, a 35-year-old Black queer man, was brutally attacked in Northeast Washington, D.C., according to NBC4 Washington and the Metropolitan Police Department.

D.C. police said officers responded at about 4:33 p.m. on May 24 to the 3300 block of East Capitol Street NE for a report of an unconscious person in alley. Officers found Jackson unconscious but breathing and suffering from severe injuries. He was taken to a hospital, where he died May 29, just days after his 35th birthday.

“His skull was crushed. He was stabbed numerous times. His leg and his arm was broken,” Jackson’s grandmother, Sharon Jones, told NBC4 Washington. “Beat to death.”

Police said an autopsy determined Jackson died from multiple blunt force injuries and ruled his death a homicide. Detectives later determined the assault happened at a residence in the 3600 block of Jay Street NE.

Jackson’s family believes he was targeted because he was gay, though D.C. police told NBC4 Washington there is no evidence at this time to show the homicide was a hate-bias incident. Relatives also believe Jackson was lured to the apartment complex, citing a disturbing text message he sent a friend before the attack.

“He texts them, and he basically said, ‘I don’t feel safe, and if something happens, I am with X, Y,’” Jackson’s aunt, Mottdricka Jackson, told NBC4 Washington.

The case remains under investigation. Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text the department’s tip line at 50411.

For those looking to support Jackson’s family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe has been created to help with funeral and burial arrangements. The fundraiser says support does not have to be monetary and that prayers and kind words are also welcome.

“No amount is too small, and everything, including prayers and kind words, would be greatly appreciated,” the fundraiser states. “All proceeds will go to the family for funeral and burial arrangements.”

Jackson’s burial took place Friday, June 19, on Juneteenth, at Cedar Hill Funeral Home. He leaves behind a village of loved ones, including his grandmother, aunt and godson, with whom he shared a special bond.

 

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Gaye Magazine will continue to follow this case as more information becomes available. Until then, Gayes, let’s continue to love on one another because, as this moment reminds us far too often, community is sometimes all we have.