Howard County police are identifying the victim and suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred last night in Columbia.

Simeon Mbuyu Mukuna, 18, of North Potomac, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shawndel Weems, 23, of Monarch Mills Way in Columbia, is charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, use of a firearm in a felony and reckless endangerment. He is being held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center.

Officers were called to the 7500 block of Monarch Mills Way at approximately 4:57 p.m. for a report that Mukuna had been fatally shot in the parking lot of an apartment complex.

 Police located Weems inside his apartment nearby. He initially refused to exit the residence, but then surrendered without incident.

Preliminary investigation revealed Mukuna was in the area visiting a friend. Police do not believe Mukuna and Weems knew one another. Detectives are still investigating a possible motive, which remains unclear at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

                                             ###

Media Contacts

Stay Connected!

Sign up for the County Executive's weekly newsletter and stay up to date on everything Howard County.
 

Zip Code