On April 2, 1999 a mother from Potomac, Maryland expected to celebrate her birthday.  In the early morning hour the phone rang - the call turned out to be horrific.  It was the call informing her of the murder of her son, David Oren Ward. 

David, a 27-year old actor, (Born in Washington, DC then resident of Los Angeles) and two of his friends, Justin and Dan, were leaving Bar Marmont when Ward got into a brief traffic dispute with the driver of a car blocking their route.  The driver then chased David's and his friends.  A short ride later, David was stabbed to death.

As a member of the Screen Actors Guild (S.A.G.) Dave had a promising career ahead of him.  David's impressive resume’ included contracts with Levi’s Strauss & Co., and Coca-Cola.  He starred in the award-winning Pariah (currently in theatres) in which Ebert gave “Four stars and thumbs up!”  Critics said, “David is nothing short of mesmerizing and a talent to watch for” (Ebert with LA Times and the New York Post).  He appeared on Pacific Blue (producers paid special tribute to Dave during the airing on Mother’s Day).  He also worked with actors and musicians including Bo Derek, Peter Strauss, Melissa Etheridge, R.E.M., and many more.  Dave was only days into filming a Drew Barrymore movie when he was murdered.

Nathaniel Moore, age 24, was arraigned on $2 million bail, while awaiting trial.  Moore initially was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder (Justin also a victim in this crime) and other counts.   Friends, family, and loved ones know that David's case got lost in the system.  The long awaited trial took 3-years. Then while the District Attorney was out on leave Moore copped a plea of Voluntary Manslaughter.  He will only serve 12 years in prison (minus 80% of the three years served).  Moore appeared in pre-trials with no remorse for the family of the David or for the act that he committed.  His excuse for this crime "he had a bad day."  Even the judge said that there was no reason imaginable for what he did.

Barbara, David's mom, says, “That piece of shit going to prison won’t bring my son back.  Nothing could ever bring David back.  Should a murderer have the right to be free because he claims he was having a bad day?  He killed my son, what’s going to stop him the next time he has a bad day?” 

In April 1999, David's funeral service was held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.  He is survived by his mother, stepfather, sister and two brothers.  He is also survived by so many friends and loved ones, all whom which are in disbelief with his murder.