3 Separate Homicides Reported On Thursday In Prince George's

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Three homicides involving men were reported in Prince George's County Thursday, prompting the police department to release a statement.

Before Thursday, homicides were down 33% when compared to the same time last year and down 55% when compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

“While the reductions in murders reflect meaningful progress and demonstrate that our efforts and strategies are making a difference, we will never lose sight of the human cost of violence. Behind every homicide is a life lost, a family grieving and a community forever changed. Even one murder is one too many," Prince George's County Police Chief George Nader stated.

The police department stated that the three homicides do not appear to be related and weren't random. The first homicide happened at a private home, the second victim was found in the road and the third was discovered in a wooded area of a local park.

"We will continue to hold those who commit violent acts accountable while working alongside our community partners and residents to prevent violence, before it occurs. Prior to today, we have closed approximately 79% of murders that occurred this year, and we remain dedicated to keeping our community safe," Nader said.

The police department's homicide unit is investigating a fatal stabbing that happened early Thursday morning in College Park. Prince George's police officers were called to the 9900 block of 51st Terrace around 4:15 a.m. Oct. 29. They found 26-year-old Jose Edin Hernandez Vasquez of College Park in a home with traumatic injuries, according to police.

Emergency responders administered first aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are working to identify the suspect(s) and determine a motive.

Prince George's police officers also were called to the 1700 block of Belle Haven Drive in Hyattsville for a report of a shooting. They found a man lying in the road with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced at the scene and hasn't been identified yet, pending notification of family, the department stated.

Detectives are working to establish a suspect(s) and motive in this case.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal shooting in the unincorporated section of Hyattsville. The victim is 18-year-old Omar Jonathan Ventura Ajbal of Hyattsville. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Around 10:55 a.m. Thursday, officers with Maryland-National Capital Park Police - Prince George’s County Division and the PGPD were called to Langley-Hampshire Neighborhood Park after receiving a report of an unresponsive male.

They found Ventura Ajbal with gunshot wounds. The Prince George’s County Police Department investigates all homicides that happen in the jurisdiction of Maryland-National Capital Park Police - Prince George’s County Division.

Anyone with information about these cases is asked to contact homicide detectives at 301-516-2512.