Death of Recent Bloom Trail Grad Hits Home

This week, news about the disappearance and reported homicide of Danielle Dennis-Towne, a high-achieving graduate from Bloom Trail High School, spread like wildfire on the Internet.

Enrico Luciano Mascaro, 19, described as Dennis-Towne's childhood friend, was arrested and charged with homicide following Friday's discovery of the young woman's body in the trunk of his 1994 Ford Mustang, police said.

The Roanoke Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday that an autopsy confirmed that the young Steger native died from a gunshot wound to the head. Mascaro, of Nags Head, N.C., is charged in the murder, police said.

Despite detailed media reports about the homicide scene, on a Facebook page memorializing Dennis-Towne, it was her life, not her death, that had people talking.

Bloom science teacher Cindy Gonzalez wrote that she was "lucky" to have taught Dennis-Towne, describing her as "a very bright person with a lot of potential."

Chief Patti Schipp, who identified herself as a former NSI at North Chicago Community High School, said she will remember Dennis-Towne's stand-out performance as a summer ROTC aide. "I was impressed by her outstanding work ethic, attention to detail and her bubbly infectious personality," wrote Schipp.

One friend, Tyler, commented that he had not always seen eye to eye, but added, "you were such a strong, nice girl and never deserved what has happened. I wish we could have been closer and I will keep you and your family in my prayers."

"Every time we drilled, you was always right there making sure it was right," recalled another friend, Dajanay. "And it's sad to see that a beautiful intelligent very spirtual person like Danielle has to go like this."

Reidents of Clifton Forge, where the teenager's body was found, joined the tribute page, conveying their sympathies to Dennis-Towne's family and friends, and their sorrow that their town had been a setting for tragedy. 

Cary wrote: "I live in Clifton Forge, VA! This is such a tragedy! I have no idea who Danielle Dennis-Towne is, but from reading all of these post, I can tell she was loved tremendously!"

"I am from Clifton Forge too. So sorry for the loss of this beautiful young lady," Sandra wrote. "Prayers of peace and comfort for all those that love her."

A representative of Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd., said the funeral for Danielle Dennis-Towne was scheduled for Monday, July 25.