Murdered member of DC’s Metropolitan Community Church laid to rest [video]
“We were devastated. In disbelief. We still can’t believe it. We’re just in shock…. She was a very highly motivated, very energetic individual. You know, every morning she came in here pumped up and energized. She would say ‘top of the morning’ to everyone.”
Monica Standfield remarking on the life of her coworker Vilma Patrice Artis Butler, who was shot in the upper body at her home in Bowie on June 24. The house, which was soon to be auctioned, was set on fire and the sprinkler had been shut off. She is reported to have been an active member of Metropolitan Community Church and a memorial service was performed there on Sunday. (Gazette) (FOX 5) (Examiner)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
