In the quiet suburban neighborhood of Gaithersburg, Maryland, the life of 23-year-old Ronald Michael Lone III was tragically cut short on the evening of Monday, October 24, 2016. Emergency responders were called to his home on Muncaster Mill Road at approximately 9:58 p.m. for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Lone on the back deck of the residence, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite their life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The initial investigation revealed a harrowing home invasion. Two male suspects, dressed in dark clothing with their faces obscured, had entered the home through an unlocked rear door. Several other people were present in the house at the time of the intrusion, but they were not physically harmed. During the incident, one of the intruders shot Lone. A relative reported that Lone was coming to the aid of his 18-year-old brother, who was confronting the invaders and was struck with a gun. After the shooting, both assailants fled the scene.
Investigators quickly determined that the attack was not a random act. Their inquiry led them to uncover a marijuana growing operation inside the residence, which they believe was the motive for the home invasion. The suspects had intended to steal marijuana from the home. A crucial breakthrough in the case came from a witness who was present during the incident. This witness recognized one of the suspects as a former student of Magruder High School, though they did not know his name. With the assistance of the school's resource officer, the witness was able to identify 20-year-old Mohammed Sirleaf as one of the individuals involved. Further investigation implicated a second individual, 19-year-old Timario Makaveli Gregg.
On November 16, 2016, both suspects were taken into custody. Mohammed Sirleaf was charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit both first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Timario Makaveli Gregg was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor. Both were held without bond following their arrests.
