Lightning rod for trouble brewing in Columbia

Published



Howard police arrested a suspect Tuesday in a murder that rattled the Oakland Mills community this past weekend and sparked concerns of gang activity in Columbia.

Ronald McConnell, 21, of no fixed address, is charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with the death of Jason Batts, 23, of Columbia, who was found shot to death at about 2:50 a.m. Saturday outside Stevens Forest Apartments.

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