Gambrills Robbery Victim Killed For $17, 2 Bowie Men Sentenced

GAMBRILLS, MD — Two Bowie men were sentenced on Friday to life in prison for killing a Gambrills man during a robbery that netted only $17. Shamar Terrence Hamm, 23, and Dwayne Commock, 19, were given life prison sentences plus an additional 20 years of active incarceration for murdering Andrew Kolta, 28, prosecutors said.

"Andrew Kolta's life was worth so much more than the $17.00 his assailants stole off of his body as he lay dying," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess in a news release. "I offer my deepest condolences to his family, and hope they find solace in the knowledge Mr. Commock and Mr. Hamm will never again have the opportunity to commit heinous crimes."

Anne Arundel County Police said Andrew Samir Mehany Kolta, 28, died from a gunshot wound on Jan. 28, 2018. He was found about 11:35 p.m. that night 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.

Several witnesses in the Waugh Chapel area around the time of Kolta's murder helped identify persons of interest in the case, including Commock of the 17000 block of Aspen Leaf Drive in Bowie. Detectives eventually named Commock as the gunman who shot and killed Kolta during the hold-up.

Commock and Celeste Long drove to the Gambrills area with the intent of committing a robbery, authorities said. Long remained in her vehicle as a getaway driver, while Hamm and Commock, both wearing masks over their faces to conceal their identities, approached Kolta on foot and demanded his wallet. When the victim attempted to run away, Commock shot him in the back. Commock then approached the victim and took his wallet, which contained $17, before he and Hamm returned to Long's car and fled.

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.

Prosecutors said Commock pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a violent crime; he will not be eligible for parole for the first five years of his sentence.

Long pleaded guilty on July 19, 2018, to armed robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a violent crime, and manslaughter. She was sentenced to 50 years in prison, suspend all but 15 years of active incarceration, and five years of supervised probation upon release from prison. She will not be eligible for parole for the first five years of her sentence.

Hamm was found guilty of first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and related handgun charges.

Police say Kolta's shooting was a crime of opportunity and a random act of violence.

The department offered 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.