A May 3, 2023 kitchen fire in a three-story garden apartment on the 6100 block of 42nd Avenue in Hyattsville led firefighters to a disturbing find. The body of 56-year-old Roger Neal was discovered inside; what was first thought to be a fatality from the blaze was later determined to be a gunshot wound, and the case was turned over to the Prince George’s County Police Homicide Unit.

Investigators concluded the fire was intentionally set after the killing. Within days, authorities identified 40-year-old Marcell Billups of Lanham as a suspect. Police say Billups and Neal were acquainted and had an argument during which Neal was shot; Billups is accused of then setting the apartment on fire to conceal the crime. Billups was located and taken into custody in Washington, D.C., and charged with first- and second-degree murder, arson, and related offenses, and is awaiting extradition to Prince George’s County.

If anyone knew Roger Neal, his routines, or saw activity at the 6100 block of 42nd Avenue around May 3, 2023, please come forward with information.