Four Suspects Charged in Connection with Homicide on Mona Farm Place

LA PLATA, Md. (Oct. 12, 2016)—On Tuesday, members of the Charles Co. Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division arrested four people in connection with the Sept. 25 shooting of Mason Cameron Atkins, 18, of Deale, Md.

A preliminary investigation showed Atkins and several friends learned of an outdoor party on Mona Farm Place in La Plata and showed up uninvited. When they pulled up to the driveway, they were asked to leave—which they did. They drove about a half mile, heading toward the main highway, when they stopped their vehicle on the side of the road. The suspects, who were also asked to leave the area, drove by the victims and an argument ensued between the two groups. During the argument, the suspects began hitting the victims who then sprayed the suspects with pepper spray to get them away. One of the suspects pulled a handgun and fired several shots into the car, striking Atkins and his friend. The suspects fled and the victims drove to Popes Creek Road in Newburg where they called 911.

Atkins was pronounced deceased on the scene and the other victim survived.

Detectives pursued leads and recovered critical evidence subsequently linking the suspects to the shooting. Investigators also served several search warrants and recovered a gun which will be examined to determine if it was the same gun used in the shooting.

After conferring with the Charles County State's Attorney's Office, Tyreq Kaylin Tilghman,18; Kevin Averell Jones,18; Talivah Laraiah Salahuddin, 17; and Shanya Imari Milstead, 17, all of Waldorf, were charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and attempted murder. The juveniles were charged as adults. All four suspects are being held at the Charles County Detention Center with no bond.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call Det. Shankster at (301) 609-6513. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com.