ARLINGTON, Va. — Family and friends are preparing to honor Christy Bautista this weekend to mark one year since she was brutally killed inside a D.C. hotel room.
Loved ones have shied away from discussing Christy Bautista publicly but in the midst of seeking justice, her sister chose to speak to WUSA9 to keep her name alive.
Emily Bautista described the last year as time moving quickly yet so slowly. She carried a small pouch of trinkets that represented her sister’s life including a golden butterfly to help embody her free and fun-spirited soul, a bracelet with the slogan “Full Send,” which means to live life to the fullest, and a plant pin for her hair that she’d wear to concerts.
“She was really bubbly, funny, outgoing and had a ton of friends,” Emily Bautista told WUSA9. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds but one thing they have in common was that they experienced her pure love and they felt safe by her.”
Christy Bautista, who was known to love music, was in D.C. from Harrisonburg last March to attend a concert.
DC Police said while she was in her room at Ivy City Hotel, 43-year-old George Sydnor rode his bike up to her room, walked in after waiting outside for about 15 seconds and stabbed her in the neck and back 30 times. Investigators said they found him on her bed smoking with a bloodied broken knife in his jacket.
The motive remains unclear.
The incident helped elevate the growing concerns about crime in the District, prompting Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares to send a letter that placed blame on city officials.
“The main thing is that my family and I and her friends are prepared for the long run,” Emily Bautista said. “We really, really just want justice for Christy.”
“I miss my time with her in Harrisonburg, spending the weekend together and going to the farmer's market and running to Starbucks to get her favorite order,” she added.
To help honor her life, friends and loved ones are planning to gather at one of her favorite restaurants and share memories.
Sydnor is indicted for murder. He recently asked to delay his trial to appeal a ruling in his sentencing for his previous case of attempted robbery.
He remains in jail and has a status hearing scheduled on June 20, 2024.