A late-night car meet in Columbia turned fatal on April 27, 2026. Around 5:27 a.m. in a parking structure on the 6700 block of Alexander Bell Drive, 24-year-old Leo Noel Balladares-Arita of Falls Church, Virginia, was found dead from gunshot wounds after what police described as an illegal car rally.

Six others from Virginia were wounded: three 20-year-old men, an 18-year-old male, a 19-year-old female and a 16-year-old female. One woman was taken from the scene with non-life-threatening injuries; the remaining victims later sought treatment at area hospitals. Investigators say many attendees were known to one another and had traveled from out of state, and they believe multiple shooters may have been involved. No firearms were recovered at the scene and no arrests or public suspect identifications have been announced.

The Howard County Police Department is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for tips; anonymous tips are being accepted. If anyone attended the meet or has information that could help, please contact police.