On the late evening of May 30, 2024, a burst of gunfire shattered the quiet of a Landover, Maryland neighborhood, leaving a local entrepreneur and beloved community member dead. The victim was identified as Anthony James Dickens, a 40-year-old Black or African American male from Upper Marlboro. Known affectionately as 'Phatz,' Dickens was discovered by Prince George's County Police officers around 11:10 p.m. in the 6800 block of Hawthorne Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dickens, born on May 18, 1984, was a well-known and cherished figure in the Landover and Hyattsville communities. A true entrepreneur, he was the creator of the popular clothing brand 'Beyon Gutta,' which he established in 2013 with the motto, 'let's make it beyond the gutter,' reflecting his commitment to uplifting his community. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open the 'Beyon Gutta One Stop Shop' in 2019, which combined a hair salon and his clothing store. Beyond his business pursuits, Dickens was a creative individual with a passion for drawing, making rap music, cooking, and remodeling his classic car. He was a devoted father, son, and brother, survived by his mother, son, sister, brother, and numerous other relatives.
As of now, the investigation into Dickens's murder is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Detectives are actively working to determine a motive and identify any suspects involved in the fatal shooting. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the Homicide Unit or Crime Solvers.
