Howard County police have charged an 18-year-old with murder following a double shooting near The Mall in Columbia, Maryland, on Saturday, which left one teenager dead and another critically injured.
Emmetson Zeah faces charges of first-degree murder for the death of 16-year-old Michael Robertson and attempted first-degree murder of 15-year-old Blake McCray, according to police. Officers recovered a firearm and clothing linked to the shooting from Zeah’s residence.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire near the Lidl parking lot and bus loop in the 10300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway at 5:52 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers found two teenage boys with gunshot wounds. Robertson was pronounced dead at the scene, while McCray was rushed to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Police believe Zeah specifically targeted the victims, though the motive remains unclear. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and seeking additional witnesses.
Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, stating, “It takes a lot of time to go through the information to see exactly who did this.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
