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Monday, December 31, 2018

PGPD Charges Three Suspects in Beltsville Homicide

Kawanta Adams

Tarik Revel



Clinton Revel


Detectives with our Homicide Unit identified and charged three suspects for a homicide on Saturday in Beltsville. The suspects are 44-year-old Kawanta Adams of the 11000 block of Evans Trail in Beltsville, 43-year-old Tarik Revel also of the 11000 block of Evans Trail and 43-year-old Clinton Revel of the 300 block of Huff Circle in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. They are each charged with the fatal shooting of 38-year-old David Ruen of Sandy Spring Road in Laurel. 

On December 29th, at approximately 11:45 am, patrol officers were called to the 11300 block of Evans Trail for a welfare check. When they arrived, officers discovered Ruen unresponsive inside of a car. He was suffering from a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead on the scene.

The preliminary investigation reveals the fatal shooting stemmed from a robbery during an illegal drug transaction. Kawanta Adams and Tarik Revel are in the custody of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections. Clinton Revel is in custody in North Carolina pending extradition to Prince George’s County. The three suspects are charged with first degree murder, robbery and related charges.

If anyone has information relevant to this investigation, they are asked to please call detectives at 301-772-4925.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)


Suspect in Custody in Fort Washington Fatal Shooting

William Little

Homicide Unit detectives identified and arrested a suspect in Saturday’s fatal shooting in Fort Washington. The suspect is 42-year-old William Little of the 1600 block of Taylor Avenue in Fort Washington. He’s charged with fatally shooting 66-year-old Adam MacAdam II of Taylor Avenue.

On December 29th, at approximately 10:40 pm, officers were called to the 1700 block of Taylor Avenue for a shooting. The victim was located outside of his home suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The motive for the fatal shooting is under investigation.

Little is charged with first degree murder and related charges. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text, “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online

Fatal Collision on Indian Head Highway

Our Collision Analysis Reconstruction Unit (CARU) is investigating a rear-end collision involving multiple vehicles which resulted in the fatalities of three young siblings Sunday evening.

At 9:40 pm, the preliminary investigation reveals, an adult male driving alone in a pick-up truck rear-ended a vehicle carrying two adults and three children on Indian Head Highway near Wilson Bridge Drive.  That impact caused the victims’ vehicle to strike the car in front of it which struck another vehicle in front of it, as well.    

While it is early in our investigation, we know the crash occurred just before an intersection where the family was either slowed or stopped behind two other vehicles for the traffic light.  The driver of the pick-up is suspected of driving under the influence and, it appears, was moving at a much higher rate of speed than the victims’ cars.  Preliminarily, there is no evidence of skid marks on the scene prior to the point of impact with the car carrying the family.   The pick-up truck came to rest on top of the rear-passenger compartment of that sedan.  

5-year-old Alexander Mejia, 5-year- old Rosalie Mejia, and 1-year- old Isaac Mejia, all of Falls Church, Virginia, were killed upon impact.  The two adult victims, the children’s parents, were transported to the hospital in critical but stable condition. The driver of the truck was taken into custody at the scene for sobriety testing.

Chief Hank Stawinski said, “I am heartbroken over the loss of these three young innocent lives.  The actions of a suspected drunk driver has ended in a lifetime of pain for this family.   We work tirelessly to clear our roads of drivers who make the horrible decision to pick up their keys and drive while impaired.  We have been conducting targeted DUI and speed enforcement across the county and stepped up our efforts in specific areas to include the 210 corridor as we neared the New Year’s Eve holiday.  At the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) awards program two weeks ago, I commended all of our local law enforcement for arresting more than 13,000 drunk drivers on our region’s roads annually.   We are not only aware of this issue, we are actively engaged in this fight to take drunk drivers off the road and to hold them responsible.  So it is difficult to describe how deeply frustrated I am, because, despite all of this work, a family is suffering beyond imagination.  All of this because of one individual’s decision that placed the lives of all those around him in jeopardy when he got behind that wheel.  It was a decision that ended in tragedy and it was a tragedy that didn’t need to be.”  

As for the two other cars that were in front of the family’s car and were also hit, one of those drivers was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  

The driver of the pick-up truck has been released.  Final charges in this case are pending the outcomes of the investigation, toxicology testing, and reconstruction analysis and will be determined in consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.   

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have additional information is asked to call our  CARU investigators at 301-731-4422.   Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS, text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.



Detectives Investigate Fatal Shooting in Oxon Hill



Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a fatal shooting in Oxon Hill Sunday night. The victim is 22-year-old Tyamonee Johnson of Locksley Road in Fort Washington. Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random shooting.

On December 30th, at approximately 7:40 pm, officers were called to the 1700 block of Mystic Avenue for the report of a shooting. The victim was located outside suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text, “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

Two Suspects in Custody for Homicide in City of Seat Pleasant



Larence Godfrey Jr.                          Michelle Godfrey
     

Homicide Unit detectives charged two suspects in connection with the homicide on Friday in the city of Seat Pleasant. The suspects are 36-year-old Larence Godfrey Jr. and 41-year-old Michelle Godfrey, both of the 2000 block of Fort Davis Street in SE Washington. They are charged with the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Eric Smith Jr. of 68th Place in Seat Pleasant. The suspects are in custody in Delaware awaiting extradition to Prince George’s County.  

On December 28th, at approximately 11:35 am, patrol officers were called to a home in the 200 block of 68th Place for the report of a shooting. They located the victim outside on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. He died a short time later.

The preliminary investigation reveals the shooting stemmed from an on-going dispute between Larence Godfrey and the victim. Following the shooting, both suspects fled the state and were located in Delaware. In Prince George's County, they are charged with first and second degree murder and related charges.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

Friday, December 28, 2018

Fatal Shooting Suspect Indicted on Murder Charge


Jayvon Gattison

A grand jury has indicted a suspect with murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Springdale in October. The suspect is 18-year-old Jayvon Gattison of the 6400 block of Hilmar Drive in District Heights. He’s charged with shooting and killing 21-year-old Dabeyon Byrd of Alconbury Drive in Bowie.


On October 23rd, at approximately 8:55 pm, officers were called to the 9000 block of Quiet Glen Court for a shooting. They discovered Byrd outside suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.  


The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect shot Byrd during an illegal drug transaction.


Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text, “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

Detectives Charge Suspect in Upper Marlboro Homicide in June

Alhaji Bah


Homicide Unit detectives arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide in Upper Marlboro that took place in June. The suspect is 23-year-old Alhaji Bah of the 10000 block of Nicol Court in Bowie. He is charged with fatally shooting 22-year-old James Puryear of Nicol Circle in Bowie.
 
On June 26, 2018, at about 9:50 pm, patrol officers were called to the 8000 block of Binghampton Place in Upper Marlboro for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, officers found Puryear suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
 
The preliminary investigation reveals the fatal shooting stemmed from a dispute between the suspect and victim. The suspect and victim were acquaintances.
 
Bah is charged with first and second degree murder and related charges. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections. 
 
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)


Saturday, December 22, 2018

Weapon Discharge Investigation; Suspended PGPD Officers Update


Eight Prince George’s County Police officers have now been released from discretionary suspension as our Internal Affairs Division continues its investigation into a weapon discharge at a holiday gathering of off-duty PGPD officers that left two of those officers injured last weekend.  


On the evening of December 15th, several off-duty PGPD officers were at a home in Brandywine for a holiday party.  Preliminarily, sometime around 9:43pm , one of the officers was handling a privately-owned weapon when it discharged.  That officer suffered a gunshot wound to his hand.   Another officer who was in the same room, received a minor graze wound to his leg as a result of ricochet from the single shot.  The Special Investigation Response Team of our Internal Affairs Division is still conducting interviews as the process continues to move forward, however, at this point in the investigation, it appears that the gun was fired one time by accident with no ill intent. 




Chief Hank Stawinski said, “I am committed to transparency and accountability. As a result, I am informing our community of what we know at this point in the investigation. I expect the women and men of this institution to serve as examples to others. I was relieved when it was confirmed that neither of the officer’s injuries was serious, but I was and remain disappointed in the jackassery that led to this incident which has negatively impacted the injured and involved officers, their families, and our community.” 



The incident initially resulted in the suspension of eleven off-duty PGPD officers who were at the house at the time of the incident.   As the investigation proceeded, four of the officers were released from suspension this past Tuesday with the additional four officers being returned to duty on Friday.

Three officers remain on suspension while the investigation continues.  Two of them are assigned to the Emergency Services Team of our Special Operations Division.  The third officer is assigned to our Bureau of Investigation.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Confessed Serial Killer Provides Sketch of 1972 Laurel Victim

Update October 9, 2019: Our Cold Case Unit continues to work to identify the young woman who serial killer, Samuel Little, confessed to murdering in Prince George’s County back in 1972. Within the last week, detectives sent the victim’s femur to a laboratory in Virginia for extensive DNA testing. As we await those test results, we again ask our community to call us if they have any information that could help detectives determine this young woman’s identity. 


Earlier this week, convicted serial killer, Samuel Little, sketched this drawing of a young woman he confessed to killing in Prince George’s County in 1972. The department’s Cold Case Unit hopes this image will finally lead detectives to uncovering the victim’s name. She is one of approximately 90 women who Samuel Little has admitted to murdering in the country starting back in the 1970s. 


In October of 2018, a Texas Ranger contacted law enforcement in Washington DC with information that Little confessed to murdering someone in the DC region in the early 1970s. That information prompted Prince George’s County Police Cold Case Unit detectives to travel to Texas in November where they interviewed Little.


The now 78 year old is serving multiple life sentences there for murders in California and Texas. During the interview, Little told our investigators specific and previously unreported details about an unsolved murder in Laurel that likely took place in the summer of 1972. In December of that year, a hunter found the skeletal remains of the victim in a then wooded area off of Route 197 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. 




After the murder, a medical examiner determined the victim is a Caucasian female, approximately 5’2”–5’6”, with dirty blonde or reddish hair. She was approximately 19 years old at the time of her death. Efforts to identify her at the time of the discovery were unsuccessful.  

According to Little, he picked up the victim at a bus station on New York Avenue in the District of Columbia. Little says the victim indicated she was recently divorced and from the Massachusetts area. She may also have been a mother. Cold Case Unit detectives are now working with multiple agencies, including the FBI, Massachusetts State Police and the Metropolitan Police Department to try to determine her identity. 
                                                                                          
Anyone with information that could help investigators is urged to please call 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)













Thursday, December 20, 2018

Annual Toys For Tots Distribution Set for Saturday



It’s one of our favorite events of the year- Toys for Tots! The gym at police headquarters is overflowing with toys – and more are arriving! Our PGPD Elves assigned to the Community Services Division have been busy working long hours to ensure members of our community have a wonderful holiday. 

The need for these toys is great. More than 4,500 families, to include some 13,000 children, have signed up to receive toys this year. We are so happy to once again partner with the Prince George’s County Public Safety agencies and the United States Marine Corps on this tremendous effort.









On Saturday, the toys will be distributed to families that have already registered.  


WHEN: December 22, 2018

TIME:   8:00 am – 6:00 pm
 
WHERE: PGPD Headquarters

               7600 Barlowe Road

               Palmer Park, MD
To our media partners: we know that many of you highlight this wonderful event each year. Please let us know when you will be starting morning live shots on Saturday so the Media Relations Division can ensure your needs are met.  Please RSVP as soon as possible by calling 301-772-4710 and let us know what time you’ll be arriving.











Wednesday, December 19, 2018

WANTED WEDNESDAY


Burglary Suspects


We’re starting Wanted Wednesday this week with a case out of Lanham. These two suspects are wanted in connection with a residential burglary that took place on December 13th on Greenspring Lane. The preliminary investigation reveals the suspects broke into a home and stole jewelry. If you recognize them, please call 301-390-2160 or 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward is being offered. 



Pizza Restaurant Robbery


Up next, our search for an armed robbery suspect. Robbery Unit detectives are working to identify and arrest this pictured suspect. He’s wanted for stealing money from a pizza restaurant in Lanham on December 14th. The business is in the 9000 block of Annapolis Road.  During the robbery, he displayed a weapon. No one was hurt. We are offering a cash reward in connection with this case. Anyone with information is asked to call 301-772-4905 or 1-866-411-TIPS.


Armed Robbery Suspect


And finally, detectives are actively searching for this suspect. He's wanted for robbing a victim in a shopping center parking lot in the 3600 block of Bladenburg Road in Colmar Manor on December 12th. The preliminary investigation reveals the suspect approached the victim and made a demand for his property. The victim was seriously hurt during the robbery. The suspect was seen driving this pictured truck - a newer-model silver Dodge Ram. A cash reward is being offered in this case. Anyone with information that could help detectives is urged to call 301-699-2601 or 1-866-411-TIPS.











Tuesday, December 18, 2018

PGPD Searches for Missing Man

UPDATE: September 27, 2019: Mr. Morrison Sr has unfortunately been located deceased. At this time, no foul play is suspected in his death. 


David Morrison Sr.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a missing man. He is identified as 70-year-old David Morrison Sr. 

Morrison was last seen on November 12th, in the 7000 block of Canyon Drive in Capitol Heights. He is described as a black male, 5’11”, and 170 pounds.  

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigation Division - Central Region at (301) 772-4911.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Detectives Arrest Suspect in Weekend Homicide in Lanham

Robert Jackson




Homicide Unit detectives charged a man in connection with a fatal stabbing in Lanham on Saturday. The suspect is 37-year-old Robert Jackson of the 6000 block of Trexler Road in Lanham. The victim is 25-year-old Bryant Stigall also of Trexler Road. The suspect and victim were roommates at a group home for adults with mental health disorders.
 
On December 15th, at approximately 5:55 am, patrol officers were called to the home in the 6000 block of Trexler Road for the report of a stabbing. They located the victim inside of his bedroom suffering from a stab wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
 
Jackson was located at the scene and taken into custody. He’s been charged with first and second degree murder. The motive for the fatal stabbing remains under investigation.
 
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

PGPD Arrests Suspect Who Assaulted Off-Duty Sheriff’s Deputy in Fort Washington

Christopher DeWitt



Prince George’s County Police officers arrested a suspect who stabbed an off-duty Charles County Sheriff’s Deputy in Fort Washington on Sunday. The suspect is 40-year-old Christopher DeWitt of the 300 block of Clifford Avenue in Alexandria, VA. The victim suffered what appear to be non-life threatening injuries.
 
On December 16th, at approximately 8:30 pm, officers were called to a tavern in the 9000 block of Livingston Road. The officers discovered the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The suspect was located across the street and taken into custody.
 
The preliminary investigation reveals a dispute between the victim and suspect escalated into the stabbing. After being stabbed, the victim drew his handgun toward the suspect. The suspect then ran out of the establishment. The victim then re-holstered his weapon.
 
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call 301-749-5064. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

Prince George’s County Police Officers Suspended Pending Outcome Of Internal Investigation


The Prince George’s County Police Special Investigation Response Team (SIRT) of our Internal Affairs Division is investigating an unintentional discharge of a weapon that caused injury to two off-duty Prince George’s County police officers over the weekend.

Preliminarily, several off-duty officers were at a holiday gathering at a private residence in Brandywine Saturday evening when there was an unintentional discharge of a privately-owned handgun.  One officer received a hand injury while a second officer was injured by ricochet as a result of the weapon firing a single time.  SIRT investigators responded to the home that evening.  Both officers were transported to area hospitals and were treated and released early Sunday morning.  The circumstances of how the unintentional discharge occurred are under investigation.  

Eleven PGPD officers have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.   

Friday, December 14, 2018

Suspect in Custody in Connection with Domestic-Related Fatal Shooting in City of District Heights



Homicide Unit detectives charged a suspect in connection with a domestic-related homicide in the City of District Heights. The suspect is 17-year-old Jonte Graham of the 6800 block of Atwood Street in District Heights. He’s charged as an adult for the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Antoine Colter who was most recently living on Constitution Avenue in Northwest Washington. The suspect’s mother was married to the victim.
 
On December 8th, at approximately 5:25 pm, patrol officers were called to the 6800 block of Atwood Street for the report of a shooting. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Colter suffering from gunshot wounds inside of an apartment. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
 
The preliminary investigation reveals Graham shot Colter following an argument. Graham is charged with first and second degree murder. He’s in the custody of the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status.
 
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)