| Church musician's death ruled homicide By Linda Worthington
UMCONNECTION STAFF Richard Galla, organist for Christ UMC in Southwest Washington, was found dead at 4 a.m. on Sunday, May 2, on the pavement beneath his 14th floor balcony in the 4200 block of Cathedral Ave. NW in Washington. The District of Columbias medical examiners office ruled the death a homicide May 7, from 'multiple blunt impact injuries,' according to the Washington Post. As this issue went to press, no arrests had been made. Galla, 43, played for the past seven years at the multi-cultural church as one of several venues in which he performed. He was a pianist for the Washington School of Ballet where he had been for 16 years. He was one of two senior pianists and played for both professional members and students. 'He was a very devoted and respected employee' who both children and colleagues liked, said Patricia Berrend, associate director of the ballet school. Eighteen months ago he became an accompanist for the Lesbian & Gay Chorus of Washington. The Rev. Jason Robinson, appointed to Christ UMC in January, conducted the memorial service for Galla at the church May 13. 'As a church family we are shocked, saddened and sickened by the event, but we celebrate (his) lifes gifts and graces,' Robinson said to the congregation. 'For we know that the Chief Musician was in need of a musical genius to play and direct that heavenly choir.' | 
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