Alexandria Activist Harris Died of Gunshot Wounds

PALMER PARK, Md. - First responders and others have determined, after excavating his body from a more-than-20-foot well in Maryland, that Del Ray resident and Alexandria community activist Lenny Harris died of gunshot wounds.

At a Monday morning press conference at Prince George's County Police Headquarters, law enforcement officials outlined the difficult process of excavating the site.

Hank Stawinski, who oversees the police forensic science and intelligence bureau for Prince George's County, detailed a process involving special bags to prevent the brick well from collapsing, calling in heavy-duty dirt diggers and needing worker contamination suits, among other things.

The well on Old Fort Road northeast of Fort Washington was largely isolated and in a somewhat rural area. The entire operation took 53 hours, according to Stawinski.

Officials searched the well after receiving an anonymous phone call indicating that a body might be found there.

PG Police Chief Mark Magaw said they are examining leads as to who the caller might be and speculated in response to a reporter’s question that the killer may have “conscience problems.”

Magaw said PG officials have been working with Alexandria police since September, when it became apparent that Harris was missing. The case is now considered a homicide investigation.

“He was an integral part of the city,” Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook told reporters, adding that Harris was “committed to helping the community” and Alexandria was “in distress” when the community discovered that Harris was missing.

There have been no arrests in connection with the case, Cook said.

Private donors at Virginia Commerce Bank have set up a reward fund. PG Police Media Relations Director Julie Parker noted that between the private fund and PG County crime solvers monies, the current reward is $38,000 for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in the Lenny Harris case.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund can go to any branch and make a donation. , located at 2300 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria, also accepts donations for the fund.