Diamond Teague Park, the swath of land that connects Nationals Park and the Anacostia River, is not named for the baseball diamond inside the stadium.
It’s named for a 19-year-old volunteer who’s life was cut short by a bullet nearly nine years ago.
His name was Diamond Teague, and he had managed to navigate the rough streets of D.C. to earn a scholarship to the University of the District of Columbia by helping with projects for the Earth Conservation Corps, a nonprofit organization for disadvantaged youth.
Police have never solved his murder, and they are seeking information that can bring his killer to justice.
Early on the morning of Oct. 9, 2003, Teague was playing video games at his house on the 2200 block of Prout Place SW, when he got a call from a friend to go outside. Witnesses said they heard laughter, a short argument and then a loud pop.
Teague was shot in the head.
In his name, his friends, members of the ECC and city officials dedicated an $8 million, 39,000-square-foot public plaza in his name. The riverfront has water-taxi piers and connects the ballpark to Yards Park.
Anyone with information about Teague’s death can contact police at 202-727-9099. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call 888-919-2746. Anonymous information may also be forwarded to the department’s tip by text-messaging 50411.
The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to a conviction.
