In the early evening of April 14, 2024, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace at the Seat Pleasant Neighborhood Park on Birchleaf Avenue. When the chaos subsided, 18-year-old Michael Delonta Cooper was found lying in the park, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. First responders rushed to the scene around 6:45 p.m. and transported the young man to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The male victim was from Washington, D.C.
The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, in conjunction with the Seat Pleasant and Prince George's County police departments, immediately launched a homicide investigation. Detectives began canvassing the area and seeking witnesses to piece together the events that led to the shooting. As of the latest reports, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or a motive in the killing of Michael Cooper. The investigation remains active and ongoing as they work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Later that same evening, another shooting occurred in the nearby 1200 block of Booker Terrace in Capitol Heights, where three men were injured. Investigators are exploring the possibility of a connection between this event and the fatal shooting of Michael Cooper. A reward of up to $25,000 has been offered by the Prince George's County Police Department for any information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case. Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward and have provided contact information for the Homicide Unit and a tip line for those who wish to remain anonymous.
