Robbery Victim Killed For $17, Bowie Man Convicted Of Murder

GAMBRILLS, MD — Anne Arundel County prosecutors say a Bowie man has been found guilty of murder in a fatal shooting; the robbery victim had only $17 when he was shot in the back. Shamar Terrence Hamm, 23, of Bowie, was found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery by an Anne Arundel County Circuit Court jury.

"Mr. Hamm became responsible for the felony murder of Andrew Kolta when he agreed to participate in a robbery - a violent crime in which death is a possibility," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess in a news release. "I'm grateful the jury recognized Mr. Hamm's culpability, and held him accountable for the death of an innocent young man."

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. 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.

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 of the 17000 block of Aspen Leaf Drive in Bowie. Detectives eventually named Commock as the gunman who shot and killed Kolta during an armed robbery.

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, while Long pleaded guilty to armed robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a violent crime, and manslaughter.

Hamm was found guilty of first degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and related handgun charges. Sentencing for Hamm, Commock, and Long is scheduled for March 22.

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.

Photo of Shamar Terrence Hamm courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police