Grandmother Shot To Death Reading Bible, Bowie Man Convicted

BOWIE, MD — A Bowie man angry about a used car purchase has been convicted in the shooting death of a Hyattsville grandmother as she read her Bible. A Prince George’s County jury found Sammie Warren, 26, guilty of second-degree murder for killing Filomena Vasquez, 56, in a shooting on Jan. 1, 2020.

Warren is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 4; he faces up to 65 years in prison.

Prosecutors said Warren was also found guilty of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence and illegal possession of a regulated firearm.

Prince George’s County police officers responded to a shooting at Vasquez's home in the 7400 block of Varnum Street in the unincorporated portion of Hyattsville about 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2020. She was found suffering from a gunshot wound, was given first aid, but died at the scene.

Investigators found 14 shell casings in front of the residence and apparent bullet holes in the kitchen window near where the victim was shot.

About a week before the shooting, Warren bought a used car from the victim’s son and was trying to get his money back because the car stopped working soon after the purchase, a news release from the state's attorney said.

“This is a tragic incident involving the death of a grandmother who was reading her Bible at the time of her tragic death,” said State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “The fact that Mr. Warren was willing to show up at someone’s home, discharge a weapon and take a life is a testament to his complete disregard for humanity and the law. Anyone willing to resort to violence in our county will be held responsible to the fullest extent of the law as this case clearly demonstrates.”

A police investigation revealed Warren bought a car on Dec. 24 from an adult son who lived in Vasquez's home. Warren was unhappy with the condition of the car and demanded a refund. When that request was refused, the son and Warren argued, the language became heated and Warren threatened the family.

Police learned that Warren returned on Jan. 1 and fired multiple gunshots into the home, then fled the scene.

Executing a warrant, officers found Warren at his home in the 2500 block of Kenhill Drive in Bowie. Officers saw Warren with a gun, and said he ignored commands from police when they entered the home. He was tackled by officers, who took him into custody.

The gun was subsequently recovered in Warren's home, authorities said.