Warrant issued for Skyline murder suspect
Detectives from the Mason Police District have obtained warrants for one of the three suspects in a homicide at the Skyline Towers in Bailey’s Crossroads on Oct. 30.
The body of Ahmed Hemoh, 26, had been found in a third-floor apartment in the 5500 block of Seminary Road with gunshot wounds to the upper body.
Police obtained warrants on Nov. 1 for Phil Asare Darkwah, 28, for second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Related story: Man fatally shot at Skyline Towers
Darkwah was identified as one of the three men seen running from the apartment after another man inside the unit called 911 shortly after 3:30 p.m. to report Hemoh had been shot. Residents were briefly advised to shelter in place.
After police released images of the three men from a surveillance camera, all three have been identified.
Further investigation led detectives to identify Darkwah as the alleged shooter. Officers with the Fugitive Track and Apprehension Unit are actively searching for him.
Police ask anyone with information to call 703-246-7800, option 2, or submit a tip anonymously to Crime Solvers.
Detectives are investigating the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting. They believe all men involved in the shooting are known to one another and that this was not a random act of violence.
I really don’t understand this new qualification of “not a random act of violence.” 2nd degree murder is defined as “one that doesn’t have any kind of premeditation and may only have been intended to cause harm, rather than death.” Then by definition, this was random.
However, this man shot the victim in his own home. Sounds premeditated with intent to kill because wounds were in upper torso. Then the charge should be 1st degree murder.
But it can’t be not random and 2nd degree murder. Can’t have it both ways.
Most likely a business negotiation, that wasn’t favorable to one or more participants. Subsequently negotiations were more intense, and as the discussion elevated in rhetoric – threatening violence was brought into the negotiations. The intent of and use of violence is not verified at this point.
Thus, suspects are wanted for the lesser charge of 2nd degree.
While escalation is more predictable in an illegal business negotiation (such as a drug deal), the current Commonwealth Attorney will want more evidence to up charges – regardless hope these individuals are caught, prosecuted and convicted.
Yes – 2nd degree on the warrant based on facts available at that time, but perhaps upgraded to 1st degree in the indictment, once there’s additional time to gather evidence, interview witness/suspects, etc.