Shooting Death of PG County Firefighter: Man Pleads Guilty to Weapons Charge

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — A Temple Hills man accused of shooting three people who entered his home to check on his welfare, including two Prince George's County firefighters, has pleaded guilty to one felony charge stemming from the incident.

Authorities accused Darrell Lumpkin of opening fire on his brother and two firefighters who broke down his door last April after his brother became worried about the 61-year-old's welfare due to his diabetic condition. PG County firefighter John "Skillet" Ulmschneider, 37, was killed in the gunfire. Volunteer firefighter Kevin Swain and Lumpkin's brother were wounded.

Lumpkin reportedly thought his home was being invaded, even though fire officials say the men announced themselves loudly multiple times and knocked on the door repeatedly before that. Lumpkin, who is diabetic, said he may have blacked out and thought his home was being broken into when he woke up.

Swain was shot four times and was taken to the Intensive Care Unit at a nearby hospital, but he survived the ordeal.

Lumpkin was originally released from custody after the ordeal without any charges, but prosecutors ultimately filed a weapons charge against him.

Lumpkin pleaded guilty to a felony count of weapon possession on Friday, Jan. 20, according to a statement from Prince George's County Fire Department spokesman Mark Brady.

Lumpkin currently doesn't face any charges for assault or murder, as the Grand Jury and prosecution declined to go that route. Lumpkin has a previous felony charge on his criminal record, according to the statement.

Ulmschneider's wife, family and friends were in attendance at the courtroom in Upper Marlboro, as was Swain, Chief Deputy Ben Barksdale, Assistant Fire Chief Alan Doubleday and IAFF Local 1619 President Andrew Pantelis.

Lumpkin faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Sentencing will be March 31 at 1:30 p.m.

Image via PG County Fire/EMS