3 Bowie Suspects Charged In Gambrills Murder, Robbery

GAMBRILLS, MD — Three Bowie residents have been charged with the murder of a Gambrills man who was shot to death Sunday night near a Waugh Chapel apartment building. Anne Arundel County Police said Andrew Samir Mehany Kolta, 28, died from a gunshot wound. He was found about 11:35 p.m. on Jan. 28 by officers lying next to a vehicle in the parking lot of the Beacon at Waugh Chapel, 1435 South Main Chapel Way.

Fire department personnel treated Kolta and took him to Baltimore Washington Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. His body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy determined Kolta's cause of death was from gunshot wounds with the manner being homicide.

Several witnesses in the Waugh Chapel area around the time of Kolta's murder helped identify persons of interest in the case, including Dwayne Stephen Commock, 18, of the 17000 block of Aspen Leaf Drive in Bowie. Detectives learned Commock was wanted on an outstanding Garrett County warrant for a probation violation.

On Feb. 1, police located Commock, along with three other people, inside a vehicle of interest. He was taken into custody without incident in Silver Spring.

Detectives conducted interviews throughout the evening which reportedly produced evidence that identified Commock as the gunman who shot and killed Kolta during an armed robbery. Two other suspects were identified as being involved in the robbery and murder and were also taken into custody. They were identified as Shamar Terrence Hamm, 22, from the 15000 block of Plumwood Court in Bowie, and Celeste Maureen Long, 20, from the 3800 block of Early Glow Lane in Bowie. All three suspects are charged with first- and second-degree murder in Kolta's death.

During the execution of multiple search warrants, police recovered a handgun from the suspect’s vehicle which reportedly matched the weapon used to shoot and kill Kolta.

Police say Kolta's shooting was a crime of opportunity and a random act of violence. The department offers these safety reminders to help prevent you from becoming the victim of a crime:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, vigilant of activity around you and attentive to people as they approach. Walk purposefully and with confidence. If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
• Do not allow yourself to be distracted by activity such as talking on your cell phone, listening to music or reading. Protect your electronics by not displaying them.
• Try to travel with others, walk in well-traveled areas, and at night in well-lighted areas.
• Do not use ATMs that are located in remote areas. Use ATMs during the daylight hours in well-populated areas.
• Do not display large amounts of cash when paying for items, and do not display excessive jewelry/clothing.
• Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door. Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.
• If someone tries to rob you, give up your property, don’t give up your life. If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions may help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

As the investigation into Kolta's death continues, Anne Arundel County Police ask anyone with information about the murder to call 410-222-4731. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line 410-222- 4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.

Photos courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police