In the early morning hours of May 7, 2023, a night that began at a restaurant in the Build America Plaza in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia, ended in tragedy for 24-year-old Maurice Anderson. A resident of Washington, D.C., the young Black / African American man was with a companion in the parking lot of the plaza when an argument broke out. The dispute escalated, and a man opened fire, striking both Anderson and his friend in the upper body before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
Fairfax
County Police Department officers responded to reports of the shooting at approximately 2:19 a.m. in the 3800 block of South George Mason Drive. Upon their arrival, they discovered the two wounded men. Both were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Maurice Anderson succumbed to his injuries. The second victim was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Through their investigation, which included reviewing surveillance footage and conducting witness interviews, detectives identified the alleged shooter as 32-year-old Javon Antonio Reid of Maryland. On May 17, 2023, authorities announced they had secured warrants for Reid's arrest, charging him with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. However, by the time the charges were filed, Reid had already absconded.
As of the latest reports, Javon Antonio Reid remains a fugitive from justice. Law enforcement officials have continued to appeal to the public for any information that could lead to his apprehension. Anderson's family has expressed their profound grief and frustration, desperate for the man accused of killing their loved one to be brought to justice. His mother, Zarita, has spoken of the ongoing pain of knowing her son's alleged killer is still free. The Fairfax County Police Department continues its active search for Reid, urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward.
