In the pre-dawn hours of February 2, 2022, gunfire on the 6500 block of Hil Mar Drive in District Heights, Maryland, left 24-year-old Nathaniel Hampton III dead inside a vehicle. Officers arriving around 12:10 a.m. found Nathaniel, known to family as Nate, with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nathaniel was from Upper Marlboro and had been a standout athlete in football, basketball and track, earning a full scholarship to West Virginia State University. He worked with his family’s business and was described as eager to learn and continue the family legacy. Detectives say the shooting occurred during a drug deal and that Nathaniel and the person accused of killing him were acquainted.

Later in February, police arrested 25-year-old Mikel Kennie of District Heights and charged him with first-degree murder and related counts; he is being held without bond. If anyone knew Nathaniel, his routines, or has information about the shooting, please share what you know.