In a neighborhood park in Suitland, Maryland, on the evening of June 27, 2024, the life of 16-year-old Juan Roach was tragically cut short. The Black/African American male was found suffering from gunshot wounds in the 4700 block of Towne Park Road and was pronounced dead at the scene. What began as an attempted robbery quickly escalated into a fatal encounter that has since raised concerns about youth gun violence in the community.
That evening, a group of armed individuals approached Roach and two other juveniles in what authorities believe was an attempt to rob them. During the confrontation, shots were fired, and Roach was struck. As he collapsed, his two companions fled the area on foot in fear for their lives. The incident was witnessed by the father of one of the other juveniles, who was in a nearby garage.
In an attempt to protect his child, the father reportedly began shooting at the suspects, injuring one of them.
The investigation into the shooting led the Prince George's County Police Department to two suspects. On July 10, 2024, authorities arrested 21-year-old Walter Plummer of Suitland and 21-year-old Akiya Bagley of Washington, D.C. Plummer has been charged with first and second-degree murder, among other related charges. Bagley faces charges of assault, accessory after the fact, and other offenses.
During a court hearing on July 11, 2024, both Plummer and Bagley were ordered to be held without bond. Prosecutors stated that Plummer had admitted to police that he was in possession of a gun and was involved in the incident. It was also revealed that Bagley allegedly drove four suspects to the location to commit the robbery and chased some of the victims with the vehicle. Investigators believe there may be additional suspects and are continuing to work on the case.
