Authorities in Montgomery County have charged two individuals—a 16-year-old and a 20-year-old—in connection with the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Taeyon Malachi Prather. The suspects face charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery following an investigation into the deadly incident, which occurred earlier this month in Gaithersburg.
According to police, the shooting took place on January 2 in a parking lot located along Rolling Fork Way, a residential area surrounded by nearby homes. Investigators determined that Prather had gone to the location to meet with the suspects as part of a planned transaction involving the sale of a jacket. During the encounter, authorities allege that Prather was shot, and additional personal belongings were taken from him.
Emergency responders from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services were dispatched to the 23600 block of Rolling Fork Way at approximately 7:21 p.m. after receiving a report of a person who had been shot. Upon arrival, crews located Prather suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and police later confirmed his identity.
Following investigative efforts and a tip provided to law enforcement, officers arrested Wisdom Da-Silva Baptista, 16, of Gaithersburg, and Kevin Jesus Perez Fierro, 20, of Montgomery Village. Both suspects were formally charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. Police officials stated that, due to the seriousness of the charges, the juvenile suspect is being prosecuted as an adult, in accordance with Maryland law.
Investigators have not released details about the jacket involved in the transaction or explained how the victim and suspects initially came into contact. Police emphasized that, while the incident does not appear to be part of a broader threat to the community, it is being treated as an isolated but serious crime.
In the aftermath of the arrests, law enforcement officials have urged residents to take precautions when buying or selling items. Police recommend using designated “safe exchange zones” located at county police district stations to reduce the risk associated with private transactions.
Prather’s family has described him as a compassionate and hardworking young man. He had recently graduated from high school, was holding two jobs, and was actively working toward his future aspirations. A memorial has since been placed at the parking lot where the shooting occurred, serving as a tribute to his life.
Neighbors in the area have expressed a sense of relief following the arrests, while the family continues to raise funds to assist with funeral expenses and to support Prather’s mother during what they describe as a deeply difficult and overwhelming period. Police have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
