Columbia, MD – A violent tragedy has shaken the community of Columbia, Maryland, as authorities intensify their search for 18-year-old William Marshall III, also known by the nickname “Junior,” who is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Angelo Little at the Columbia Mall. Marshall, a resident of Columbia, is accused of targeting Little in a deadly attack that took place inside the popular shopping center on July 27, 2024. As investigators work tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the murder, a reward of up to $30,000 has been offered for any information that leads to Marshall’s arrest. The suspect, who is described as a Black male standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, remains on the run, and authorities have labeled him a significant threat to public safety. The U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, along with the Howard County Police Department, have ramped up their efforts to track him down and bring him to justice.

---

The Tragic Incident at Columbia Mall

At approximately 3:45 PM on July 27, 2024, chaos erupted inside the Columbia Mall, a bustling retail hub in Howard County, Maryland. The mall, which is a central gathering place for local residents and visitors, became the scene of a shocking act of violence when a shooting occurred in one of its common areas. The victim, 17-year-old Angelo Little, a high school student with a promising future, was tragically gunned down inside the mall, leaving friends, family, and witnesses stunned and heartbroken.

According to Howard County Police, a confrontation occurred between Little and Marshall inside the mall, which escalated quickly into a deadly encounter. Investigators believe that Marshall, who had a prior relationship with Little, allegedly targeted the victim with the intention of causing harm. The shooting resulted in the immediate death of Little, who was pronounced dead at the scene by responding emergency medical personnel. While the motive remains under investigation, authorities suggest that personal issues may have contributed to the deadly altercation.

Initial Police Response and Investigation

Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers secured the area and began their investigation. Columbia Mall was temporarily evacuated as police canvassed the premises for witnesses and surveillance footage. A nearby shopping area, filled with store employees, mall-goers, and families, became a scene of confusion and fear as police cordoned off sections of the mall in search of answers.

The Howard County Police Department worked swiftly to gather evidence, including collecting eyewitness testimonies, reviewing security camera footage, and analyzing forensic details. Within hours, police discovered that the suspect, later identified as William Marshall III, had been present in the mall during the incident.

Police reports revealed that Marshall and Little were both observed entering the same section of the mall shortly before the shooting took place. Several bystanders reported hearing a brief exchange of words between the two young men, but no one could have predicted that the situation would escalate so violently. As the investigation unfolded, police learned that Marshall had been seen leaving the scene shortly after the shooting, making his way through the crowded corridors of the mall and then exiting the building.

The Release of Surveillance Video and Marshall’s Identification

On August 5, 2024, authorities released surveillance footage showing Marshall’s movements before, during, and after the shooting. The video, which captured him walking through the mall with a calm demeanor, has since become crucial evidence in the case. Marshall’s image was carefully analyzed by detectives, and they soon identified him as the primary suspect in the murder of Angelo Little.

The release of the video prompted a wave of public interest, with many residents and shoppers who had been in the mall during the incident coming forward to offer additional information. However, despite the heightened attention and public appeal for tips, Marshall remained elusive.

In the following days, law enforcement agencies across the region began working with local businesses, including neighboring malls, security companies, and other institutions, to gather more footage that might assist in the search for Marshall. The video footage provided investigators with a clearer picture of the suspect’s appearance and demeanor, as well as the route he took to flee the scene.

Detectives believe that Marshall’s escape may have been carefully planned, as he was able to evade security measures and leave the premises before law enforcement could respond in full force. However, authorities are confident that with the continued cooperation of the public and enhanced resources, they will eventually track down the suspect.

U.S. Marshals Service and Reward Announcement

As Marshall remained on the run, the U.S. Marshals Service stepped in to assist in the manhunt. The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, a unit dedicated to apprehending violent offenders in the mid-Atlantic region, joined forces with Howard County Police to coordinate the search for Marshall.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Marshals Service, the agency announced that the investigation had been elevated to “major fugitive” status, underscoring the seriousness of the crime and the priority given to apprehending the suspect. As part of their efforts, a reward of up to $30,000 was offered for any information leading to Marshall’s capture, with the U.S. Marshals contributing $20,000 to the $10,000 already offered by Howard County Police.

“We are committed to bringing this violent individual to justice,” said U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson Sarah Moore. “This is a serious case, and we will exhaust every possible resource to locate and arrest Mr. Marshall. We encourage the public to continue providing tips, and we assure you that all leads will be thoroughly investigated.”

Authorities have warned that Marshall should be considered armed and dangerous due to the nature of the crime and his willingness to resort to violence. He is believed to be actively avoiding capture, and investigators are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that might lead to his whereabouts.

Marshall’s Background and Personal History

As authorities continue their search for William Marshall III, details of his background have emerged. Born and raised in Columbia, Maryland, Marshall has had a tumultuous upbringing marked by periods of personal struggle. Friends and acquaintances described him as someone who often struggled with anger management issues, though he was also seen as a charismatic individual who had a wide circle of friends.

Marshall’s past includes multiple encounters with law enforcement, although none of these previous incidents were as severe as the shooting at Columbia Mall. He had been known to associate with certain groups involved in local gang activity, which authorities have suggested could be a factor in the escalation of his relationship with Little. However, the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear, and detectives are still piecing together the events that led to the fatal encounter.

Marshall’s nickname, “Junior,” is commonly used by those who know him, though it is unclear how widespread the moniker is or whether it holds any significance in his social circles. Investigators believe that Marshall may be receiving help from individuals within his network, but they remain hopeful that the reward and increased public attention will lead to his capture.

The Aftermath: A Community in Mourning

The killing of Angelo Little has left a deep scar on the Columbia community. Angelo, a high school senior with dreams of becoming a graphic designer, was remembered fondly by those who knew him. Friends and family described him as a bright, thoughtful, and kind-hearted young man who had a promising future ahead of him. His untimely death has devastated his parents, classmates, and community members, who have struggled to come to terms with the senseless violence that claimed his life.

A candlelight vigil was held in honor of Angelo Little in the days following his death, with hundreds of people attending to pay their respects. Mourners gathered in front of Columbia Mall, lighting candles and placing flowers as a tribute to the victim. Many spoke out about the need for change in their community, calling for stronger measures to combat gun violence and support young people who may be at risk of falling into dangerous situations.

“Angelo was just a kid with so much potential,” said one of his close friends, who attended the vigil. “He didn’t deserve this. We just want justice, and we want to see that people like Marshall are held accountable for what they’ve done.”

The Search for Justice

As the days go by, the search for William Marshall III continues. Howard County Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and local law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to apprehending the suspect and bringing him to trial for the murder of Angelo Little. The investigation has become a focal point for the community, with many residents actively following the progress of the case and hoping for a resolution.

The reward for information has spurred numerous tips from the public, though Marshall remains elusive. Investigators are using all available resources, including social media platforms, to solicit help from the public in locating the fugitive.

Authorities have expressed optimism that Marshall will eventually be captured, whether through a tip from the public or through diligent investigative work. As the investigation moves forward, the Howard County Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service remain committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the legacy of Angelo Little is honored.

Anyone with information regarding William Marshall III’s whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2, or submit a tip online at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.