Arrest Warrant Issued for Murder Suspect

An arrest warrant has been issued for a District Heights man who police believe fatally shot a Hillcrest Heights woman, and police need help finding the suspect.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is searching for Joseph Poteat, 29, of the 1900 block of Rochelle Avenue in District Heights. He’s charged with the murder of 32-year-old Marquita Wimms of 23rd Parkway in Hillcrest Heights.

Police were called to the 1900 block of Rochelle Avenue on Oct. 3 for the report of a vehicle that crashed into a building. Officers found Wimms inside the vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Detectives are working to establish a motive in this case.

Poteat is charged with first- and second-degree murder and related charges.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered in the case. 


Anyone with information on Poteat’s whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

»Photo of Joseph Poteat, courtesy of Prince George’s County Police