BOWIE, Md. — The family of 19-year-old Donnell Stephenson is mourning his tragic loss and calling for justice after he was fatally shot inside a home on the 700 block of St. Michaels Drive early Sunday morning.
Stephenson, a recent graduate of Charles Herbert Flowers High School, had just begun building his future. He worked as a night custodian for Prince George’s County Public Schools, a job he took pride in. His mother, Erika Stephenson, described him as a young man on the brink of a new chapter in life.
“He was just starting to really live,” she said.
The night of the shooting, Stephenson had spent time with his family, attending his brother’s basketball game and sharing a meal at Outback Steakhouse before heading out to visit friends. His family believes he was not the intended target of the attack.
His sister, Aniya Stephenson, expressed the family’s desperate need for closure.
“It would mean the most to all of us. It would help us sleep better at night,” she said.
The sudden and senseless nature of his death has left his family with more questions than answers. His mother is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
“He’s not coming back, he’s gone. But if you knew my son, you know this doesn’t make sense for him,” she said.
As police continue their investigation, they are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Prince George’s County Public Schools released a statement mourning Stephenson’s passing, highlighting that while he worked as a night custodian with limited student interaction, mental health support has been made available to staff and students.
Despite their heartbreak, the Stephenson family is holding onto the memories of Donnell’s vibrant personality. His sister recalled his playful nature and love for dancing.
“His favorite things to do were dance, get on somebody’s nerves, and make you laugh,” she said.
They hope he will be remembered for his kindness and the love he shared with those around him.
“His smile, his heart, how genuine he was,” Aniya said. “He gave everything he had to anybody.”
As they grieve, the family is urging anyone with information to come forward, hoping for answers that will bring them peace.
