WASHINGTON, D.C. – A tragic incident shocked the community as a volunteer from upstate New York, working with at-risk youths in Washington, D.C., was fatally shot during an alleged robbery. The victim, 23-year-old Ryan Realbuto, of Pittsford, NY, was returning home from a volunteer event when the shooting occurred on South Dakota Avenue NE on Thursday night.
Realbuto had been dedicated to his work with the Catholic volunteer organization Capuchin Corps at Don Bosco Cristo Reyes High School. His colleagues and friends described him as a deeply caring individual who had found his passion in working with at-risk youths.
The fatal incident occurred as Realbuto and two friends were walking home from the Fort Totten Metro station, with the shooter allegedly approaching them and demanding money. After Realbuto told the assailant that he had no money, he was shot. Despite the efforts of neighbors and emergency services, Realbuto was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The tragic loss of Realbuto has not only left his friends and colleagues in mourning, but it has also prompted reflection within the volunteer organization he was a part of. Brother Stephen Cantwell emphasized the importance of compassion and empathy by urging prayers not only for the victim but also for those who commit such acts, as they, too, have the potential for repentance.
The incident has left the community shaken, as it serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that volunteers and those working in community service face. Realbuto’s dedication to living in the communities he served exemplifies the selfless commitment of individuals who choose to work in at-risk areas, fostering a sense of solidarity with the people they aim to support.
The search for the perpetrator and the outpouring of support for Realbuto’s loved ones highlight the impact of his work and the need to address the underlying issues contributing to such acts of violence in the community. The loss of such a devoted volunteer has sparked conversations about the safety of those who devote themselves to charitable causes and the profound impact of their service on the communities they serve.