Sharon Mahoney was 40 when she was found shot in the 5300 block of B Street SE in Washington, D.C., on July 26, 2002, at approximately 2:28 a.m. She was taken to Prince George’s Hospital Center and pronounced dead.

Mahoney had struggled for years with crack cocaine addiction and mental health problems, which led to homelessness and sex work. Family members said she had previously been beaten and stabbed, and her children — a 21-year-old daughter and a son about to turn 18 — recalled a time before the addiction when she was a good mother. In the months before her death the daughter had pleaded with her to come home.

The Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate this open homicide; no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified. If anyone knew Sharon, saw activity in the 5300 block of B Street SE that night, or has information that could help, please contact authorities.