Drug Dealer Convicted Of Killing Customer Over Counterfeit Bill

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An Annapolis man has been convicted of gunning down a Severn man who reportedly tried to pay for drugs with a counterfeit bill. Lawrence Montague, 28, of Annapolis was found guilty Thursday of second-degree murder in the death of George Forrester, 40, of Severn, prosecutors said.

The fatal shooting happened just after 3 a.m. on Jan. 16 in the 700 block of Newtowne Drive. Forrester was found in the area suffering from apparent gunshot wounds; he was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Authorities say that after Forrester attempted to pay Montague for drugs with a counterfeit $100 bill, Montague followed Forrester to his car, took a handgun from the waistband of his pants and fired multiple shots. One bullet struck Forrester in his back, struck his heart, lungs, and stomach, and exited the center of his chest.

A witness in the passenger seat of Forrester's car during the shooting identified Montague as the shooter, prosecutors say.

"Facing no threat to his own personal safety, Lawrence Montague committed an act of unjustifiable retribution," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams in a statement. "My office will work tirelessly to hold such violent offenders accountable for their actions."

Montague faces up to 73 years in prison for the crimes; his sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Photo of Lawrence Montague of Annapolis, courtesy of Annapolis Police