On the evening of February 22, 2025, a shooting near The Mall in Columbia claimed the life of 16-year-old Michael Robertson and left another teenager critically injured. The incident, which occurred outside the mall in the vicinity of the Lidl grocery store and a bus stop on Little Patuxent Parkway, has shocked the local community.
Brendan Stone Death & Obituary: A Sporting Community’s Tribute
Details of the Shooting
At approximately 5:52 p.m., Howard County Police responded to reports of gunfire in the area. Upon arriving, officers found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Michael Robertson, the 16-year-old, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, 15-year-old Blake McCray, was rushed to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Suspect Arrested
Authorities have arrested 18-year-old Emmetson Zeah of Columbia in connection with the shooting. Zeah has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and related offenses. During a search of Zeah’s residence, police recovered the firearm used in the crime, along with clothing that Zeah allegedly wore during the incident.
Targeted Attack
The police believe the shooting was a targeted attack, though the motive behind the violence remains unclear. Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der confirmed that the shooting did not take place inside the mall, and operations at The Mall in Columbia continued as normal, with the mall closing at 8 p.m. as scheduled.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward. As the community grapples with this senseless tragedy, the focus remains on finding answers and bringing justice to the victims and their families.
Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating event.