Osama El-Atari

In February 2016, the life of 37-year-old Osama El-Atari came to a violent end in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. A man known for a flashy lifestyle financed by millions scammed from banks, and later for his role as a federal informant, was found deceased in his pickup truck. His family had reported him missing from Leesburg, Virginia, just days before his body was discovered.

El-Atari was found in the passenger seat of his truck on a quiet street near an abandoned house, having been shot in the upper body. Investigators believe he was abducted and driven to the location where he was ultimately killed. The motive for the murder, according to police, was robbery, and not connected to his past work as an informant. A Rolex watch and other items were reportedly taken from him.

The investigation into El-Atari's death led to the arrests of three men. Eric Garris, 29, of Temple Hills, and Taqwa Muhammad, 26, of Prince Frederick, were the first to be taken into custody and were charged with first-degree murder. Their arrests were followed by that of a third suspect, 48-year-old Donald Deon Clay of Manassas.

According to charging documents, the plot to rob El-Atari was a conspiracy. Police believe the abduction took place on an industrial street in Capitol Heights before he was transported to Upper Marlboro. The suspects had allegedly planned to rob him of a significant amount of money but were ultimately disappointed with the proceeds of their crime.