2 Germantown Teens Shot Night Before Graduation: Update

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD — Authorities have released the names of two teenagers from Germantown who were gunned down Monday night as they sat in a car in Montgomery Village. Montgomery County Police say the two victims are Shadi Adi Najjar, 17, of Breezedale Lane in Germantown, and Artem S. Ziberov, 18, of Flag Harbor Drive in Germantown.

The principal of Northwest High School said both boys were scheduled to graduate on Tuesday, June 6, from the school. Counselors are at DAR Constitution Hall, the site of graduation, today to help students and staff deal with the devastating news, and counselors will be at the school on Wednesday.

"For those of you who knew Artem and Shadi, we ask that you remember and celebrate them. They were both excellent students who had a positive impact on those around them, and they will be greatly missed,” Principal Jimmy D’Andrea said in a note to parents. "I know you will join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Artem and Shadi."

Police have not said if there are suspects in the shootings, or what a possible motive in the case might be.

At 10:46 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a call from a resident reporting the sounds of shots fired in the 8200 block of Gallery Court. When police officers arrived they found the two males inside a vehicle that was parked on Gallery Court. Both victims appeared to be suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and died from their injuries at the scene.

Students also took to Twitter to share their messages of sympathy to the graduating class, and the families of the slain students.

Detectives ask anyone with information about this double homicide to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s). Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).