More clues are starting to emerge around Howard County?s third homicide of the year ? the shooting death of an 18-year-old Columbia man this weekend.
Howard County police said Tuesday they have ruled out gang-activity as a possible motive for the shooting that left Shaun Powell, 18, dead in 11200 block of Crystal Run.
“We know this was not gang related,” said police spokesman Sherry Llewellyn. “We?d be remiss not to look into whether either of these players had drug ties.”
Police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect, Monti Mantrice Fleming, of the 6500 Overheart Lane in Columbia, who is being charged as an adult with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and handgun violations. Investigators have learned that Fleming and Powell were at a gathering Saturday night in the 11200 block of Powder Run in Columbia. Witnesses told police that Fleming and Powell became engaged in a confrontation, first verbal, then physical.
The witnesses reported that Powell attempted to walk away and was shot by Fleming. Witnesses also told detectives that Powell then ran from the scene. His body was discovered Sunday morning in a residential area about 100 yards from the incident.
“The argument turned into a physical fight,” Llewellyn said. “Once the fight turned physical, Mr. Powell started to walk away. At that time, Fleming fired at Powell. We don?t have a lot of details about the words exchanged between Fleming and Powell.”
Police are asking anyone with information about Fleming?s location to call 911.
