PGPD Investigates Homicide in Temple Hills

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a homicide in Temple Hills. The victim is 34-year-old Maurice Antoin Smith of Saint Clair Drive in Temple Hills. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random act. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On June 9, 2015, at about 7:00 pm, patrol officers were called to the 2900 block of Saint Clair Drive for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Smith on the ground unconscious. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

On October 28, 2015, the DC Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide. The cause of death was sudden cardiac death associated with an assault with blunt force injuries which complicated the victim’s asthma. The victim had not been shot.

Preliminarily, detectives believe this homicide may have stemmed from a robbery attempt. The preliminary investigation reveals the victim had just left his home and was walking toward the parking lot when he was confronted by as many as three suspects. One of the suspects began hitting the victim. That suspect then pulled out a gun. It appears the victim and suspect began to struggle over the gun. During that struggle, a single shot was fired. No one was hit. After the shot was fired, the victim collapsed. The suspects then ran from the area.

Detectives are working to identify a motive and suspect(s) in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.