Suspects Named in Murder of Restaurant Owner Turned Informant: Update

Photo credit: Prince George’s County Police Department

Updated at 2:55 p.m.

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Authorities have released the names of two men arrested in the Upper Marlboro death of a former Virginia restaurant owner who was convicted of defrauding banks for more than $50 million.

Osama El-Atari, 37, of Leesburg, VA, was found shot to death in his pickup truck in Upper Marlboro on Feb. 13, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department. Detectives believe robbery was the motive behind the slaying.

Police were called to the 9000 block of Armstrong Lane on Dec. 13, where the victim was found inside a pickup truck suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

SEE ALSO: Convicted Restaurateur Killed in Upper Marlboro

The suspects are Eric Garris, 29, of the 12000 block of Derek Place in Waldorf and Taqwa Muhammad, 26, of the 8400 block of Stock Drive in Lusby.

Police said the suspects robbed El-Atari of several items, shot him and fled. Details on what was taken from the victim have not been released.

Both men are charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder. They are being held by the Department of Corrections without bond.

El-Atari is the former owner of the Original Steakhouse and Sports Theaters in Ashburn and Woodbridge, VA.

He was convicted in 2010 for defrauding banks nationwide for $53 million, according to an FBI announcement. In 2014 El-Atari was released from jail after serving 51 months of his 144-month sentence because he provided information to authorities about two other prisoners, according to The Washington Post.

His family and friends told WJLA he met someone Feb. 10 in Capital Heights and disappeared shortly afterward. He wasn’t heard from, or seen until police found his body.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

El-Atari was reported missing in Loudoun County on Feb. 11.

Anyone with information on this case 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 towww.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

»Photos of Eric Garris, left, and Taqwa Muhammad, courtesy of Prince George’s County Police