18-Year-Old Arrested in Fatal Columbia Mall Shooting

After nearly a year on the run, the suspect in a deadly shooting at The Mall in Columbia has been captured in New York City, bringing closure to a high-profile case that shocked Howard County residents.

William Thomas “Junior” Marshall III, now 18, was arrested around 6:30 a.m. Thursday in Brooklyn, according to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der. Marshall had been wanted in connection with the killing of 17-year-old Angelo Little, a Columbia teen and student at the Homewood Center in Ellicott City.

Marshall, who was a student at Oakland Mills High School but had not attended classes last year, was taken into custody without incident after a coordinated effort between Howard County detectives, NYPD officers, and U.S. Marshals.

Authorities said the break in the case came from a social media post issued earlier this week by the Howard County Police Department. The post reminded the public that Marshall was still at large, which ultimately generated a tip about his whereabouts in Brooklyn.

“There was true creativity and ingenuity that resulted in this apprehension,” said Chief Der at a Thursday afternoon press conference. “Howard County is not immune to violent crime, but we are committed to holding people accountable — no matter how long it takes or how far they run.”

The arrest concludes a 10-month investigation that spanned several states, involved hundreds of tips, extensive surveillance, and a large amount of digital evidence. Police have not disclosed whether anyone assisted Marshall while he was on the run or if additional charges will be filed in connection with harboring a fugitive.

Officials are also reviewing whether anyone will qualify for the $30,000 reward offered in the case.

According to police, surveillance footage from the mall on the evening of the shooting shows Marshall sitting quietly in the food court with his head down. When Angelo Little left to use the restroom and returned, he was shot once, fatally. The gunfire sparked panic among shoppers and raised urgent questions about safety and security at one of the region’s most popular malls.

The incident sparked widespread concern in the community and led to months of debate over mall safety protocols and youth violence in the county.

Marshall was 17 at the time of the shooting but is being charged as an adult. He faces charges including first-degree murder and multiple firearms offenses. Investigators have confirmed that Marshall and Little knew each other but have not yet determined a motive for the shooting.

Howard County police have notified Little’s family of the arrest. According to department spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn, the family expressed a sense of relief at the news.

Marshall is currently being held in New York while authorities begin the process of extraditing him to Maryland to face charges.

18-Year-Old Arrested in Fatal Columbia Mall Shooting After 10-Month Multi-State Manhunt was originally published on wolbbaltimore.com