Walter Woods III was 20 when he was found fatally shot on the evening of March 7, 2023, in a playground area in the 1700 block of Hampshire Green Lane in Silver Spring. He was taken to a local hospital but pronounced dead after suffering four gunshot wounds. Family and friends described him as a gentle, quiet only child with a determined spirit. A GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral expenses and a memorial service was held.

The Montgomery County Department of Police classified the case as a homicide and identified two suspects: 21-year-old Javier Reyes of Silver Spring and 20-year-old Brian Gaitan-Sanchez of Bladensburg. Investigators say Woods had arranged to meet the two at the neighborhood park to conduct a drug deal. Maryland State Police had been investigating Reyes for controlled substance distribution and recorded him on video selling drugs and discussing the sale of a .380 caliber handgun; authorities believe that firearm was used in the shooting and point to a social media photo of Reyes holding a gun with a visible tattoo.

If anyone knew Walter, his movements that evening, or has information about the meeting in the park, please share what is known with investigators.