Robert MacMeekin, 74, a Phoenix, Maryland attorney and family man, was fatally shot at his home on the afternoon of May 2, 2026. The shooting occurred on the patio of the Mill Gate neighborhood residence after his daughter and grandchildren had sought refuge there following an earlier altercation with her husband.

Police identified and arrested 41-year-old Mark Ryan, the victim’s son-in-law, at the scene. Prosecutors charged Ryan with first-degree murder; charging documents say he confessed, blamed anger over being kept from his children, dropped the weapon and waited for officers, and was ordered held without bail. A temporary protective order against Ryan had been in place prior to the confrontation.

The killing has deeply affected the family, colleagues and the wider community. Does anyone who knew Robert or his family have information that could clarify what led up to the shooting?