I did not know Matthew Martin

By now we all know about the murder of Matthew Martin, who went missing from his home, family and friends in Locust Point in early April.   The big question: who did it?  My question: why didn't I write about Matt when he was missing? The posters were all over the neighborhood.  First, the ones made by family.  Then, the ones made by Crimestoppers.  My answer is lame: life got in the way.  I kept thinking I would get to the story.  Would'a, Should'a.   Phrases that abound when someone we know dies suddenly.

First, a promise to you: 
I signed up to get on the Crimestoppers listserve;  if there's a disappearance of someone from 21230 sent out via this org you'll read about it here.  As many people have pointed out in online forums, media coverage of Matt's disappearance was spotty.  (WBAL was the only local crew to cover it when it was a missing persons case).  So, this commitment is my attempt to do better going forward.

Second, share anything you may know with detectives:
Here are a couple ways to pass tips along anonymously:

• Text “MCS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637)
• Click here for a link to a Crimestoppers web tip formFill out this form on the web

Lastly, a question: will Matt Martin's death unite or divide the neighborhood? 
Clearly, people who grew up here and raised families here are grieving, together.  Just look at what's happening on Facebook and you'll see the solidarity of the "Sobo Brotherhood."  But then, there's the comment of someone presumed to be a yuppie/newcomer on Peter Hermann's crime blog in the Sun:

>> I also lived near Matthew Martin, a man whose activities did nothing but send my property values southward. Posted by: Anonymous | May 17, 2010 7:00 AM 

 The comment set off a firestorm of anger from long-time residents against newcomers:  

>>South Baltimore was a place that no matter what happened or what you did,everyone still welcomed you with open arms.everyone new you,tryed helping you and were concerned about you.'YOU AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU CHANGED THAT! A NEIGHBORHOOD IS NOT MADE ON OR BUILT AROUND HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE OR ARE WORTH,Its built on strong caring people that care about each other. Posted by: jimmy brunner | May 17, 2010 12:52 PM

Mr. Brunner.. I agree with what you say about a neighborhood being built around people who care about each other.  I am sorry that you feel new people changed that.   The reason why people like me moved here was precisely because of the tight-knit nature of Locust Point.   I hope you will believe that not all newcomers are focused on property values and money.  

If there's anything we can take away from Matt Martin's passing, its the importance of looking out for each other.   It's unfortunate the lesson comes at such a high cost.

From the Search for Matt Martin Facebook page:

Services for Matt will be at Steven' s Funeral Home, E. Fort Ave and Hull St in Locust Point on Thurday May 20th and Friday May 21st from 3-5 and 7-9 Funeral Mass on Staurday May 22nd at 10am Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Locust Point Md 21230