On a Sunday evening in Silver Spring, Maryland, the community was shaken by an act of violence that claimed the lives of two young men. On May 26, 2024, 20-year-old Quincy Johnson of Takoma Park and 20-year-old D'Andre Wint of Lanham were found with gunshot wounds at Nolte Local Park. The discovery was made at approximately 6:57 p.m. in the 200 block of Denver Road.
Despite the immediate response and life-saving efforts of first responders, both Johnson and Wint were pronounced dead at the scene.
In the wake of the double homicide, the community mourned the loss of the two young men. Family members, grappling with their sudden and tragic loss, created online fundraisers to assist with funeral expenses. Johnson's mother remembered her son as a 'brilliant light,' acknowledging his struggles while emphasizing the immense love he received from his family and friends. The outpouring of support from the community was a testament to the impact the young men had on those around them.
The investigation into the deaths of Quincy Johnson and D'Andre Wint led to significant developments in the following months. Initially, police had no suspects in custody and asked the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. The first breakthrough came on August 26, 2024, with the arrest of 15-year-old Onyx Santana Austin at Dulles International Airport. Authorities revealed that Austin had fled the country after the shooting and was apprehended upon his return. He was charged with two counts of second-degree murder.
Further investigation by detectives led to the identification and arrest of a second suspect. In October 2024, 16-year-old Adom Bogale Abay of Silver Spring was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and firearm offenses in connection with the killings. Abay was already in custody on unrelated charges when he was served with the arrest warrant for the double homicide. Both teenage suspects are being charged as adults.
