A personal dispute in Waldorf, Maryland, turned deadly on December 10, 2019. John Ercell Staton, a 54-year-old Black man, was shot multiple times in the parking lot of the Smallwood Village Center and later died at a local hospital. Witnesses reported the shooter accused Staton of burglarizing his home on November 27, saying televisions, clothing, computers and cash had been taken.

Authorities identified 55-year-old Fred Odell Scott Sr. as the primary suspect. Witnesses said Scott had earlier tried to run Staton down with a vehicle and told someone he intended to kill him. At the shopping center, Scott allegedly confronted Staton, produced a handgun and fired before fleeing in a gray vehicle. Scott was arrested on December 12 and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and related firearm offenses.

Does anyone have information about the confrontation in the parking lot or the events that led up to the burglary accusation?