LA PLATA, Md. (Nov. 9, 2009) - The Charles County Sheriff's Office today released the following report regarding a homicide which occurred on Nov. 7 at Mattawoman Seafood in Indian Head.
"On Nov. 7 at 1:09 a.m., officers responded to Mattawoman Seafood at 5024 Hawthorne Road in Indian Head for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, witnesses indicated they heard several shots and saw a black SUV flee the parking lot toward La Plata. Officers canvassed the area and observed the SUV driving at a high rate of speed near Quailwood Parkway. They initiated a traffic stop and found one of the occupants, a 23-year-old male from Lexington Park, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. He was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for a non life-threatening injury. Detectives learned the victim was at Mattawoman Seafood, sitting in a car with friends, when he heard gunshots and realized he had been struck. He and his friends fled the scene until they were stopped by police. It does not appear this victim was an intended target.
"As officers continued investigating, they received a call that another shooting victim had been driven to the 4000 block of Indian Head Highway by friends, placed in a different car with another group of friends who then transported him to the Ft. Washington Medical Center. Officers responded to the hospital and learned the victim, Victor Simon Taylor, 24, of Fairfax, Virginia, had been pronounced dead.
"At this point, it appears both men - neither of whom knew each other - were shot in the parking lot of Mattawoman Seafood. Several witnesses said they heard an argument in the parking lot just prior to the shooting, but it is not clear who was involved in the argument. There is no description of the suspect.
"Detectives are asking anyone with additional information to call Detective John Elliott at (301) 609-6515. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS."