Morris Haskins Jr., a 43-year-old Black or African American man from Washington, D.C., was fatally shot on the evening of November 8, 2024. The incident occurred around 5:50 PM at Walker Mill Regional Park in Capitol Heights, Maryland, during a candlelight vigil being held for another homicide victim. Approximately 50 people were in attendance when a dispute broke out, escalating into a chaotic scene where more than 20 shots were fired, causing attendees to flee for their safety.
Haskins was discovered at the scene with gunshot wounds and was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Morris Haskins Jr. succumbed to his injuries the following day, on November 9, 2024. The Prince George's County Police Department, with assistance from the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, immediately launched an investigation into the shooting. Initially, investigators reported having few leads and no description of any potential suspects or vehicles involved in the incident. A reward of up to $25,000 was offered for any information that would lead to an arrest and indictment in the case.
Following months of investigation and a tip from the public, authorities identified a suspect in the fatal shooting. On February 3, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for 24-year-old Elijah Kamara. On April 14, 2025, Kamara, who had no fixed address, was apprehended during a traffic stop at the intersection of Walters Lane and Chavez Lane. He was a passenger in the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody by officers. The investigation revealed that Haskins and Kamara were acquainted, and the shooting stemmed from an argument between them. Kamara has been charged with first-degree murder and other related charges and is currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
