More Than 1 Shooter Involved In Murder Of Germantown Teens: Police

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD — Authorities are no closer to determining who fatally shot two Germantown high schools seniors in the head the night before their graduation, but at this time they do believe there was more than one shooter. At a Friday press conference, Montgomery County Police implored the public to share any leads that can help detectives find the murder suspects.

The two students — Shadi Adi Najjar, 17, of Breezedale Lane in Germantown, and Artem S. Ziberov, 18, of Flag Harbor Drive in Germantown — were gunned down while sitting in a car in Montgomery Village June 5, one night before they were set to graduate, police said.

At 10:46 p.m. June 5, 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.

Francke said Friday that police recovered 30 shell casings at the scene and have confirmed that multiple caliber of weapons were used. They believe there was more than one shooter in the incident, and they think there's a connection between at least one of the victims and the suspects.

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Francke said one of the victims was shot ten times, and the other was shot four times. The other rounds hit their vehicle and also went into the air in the neighborhood.

“This is not a random event. We do believe that the suspects and the victims knew each other," Francke said. "More importantly, we believe there are people are out there that have not come forward yet and have not given us information that they know about this case. It may be something small or it may be something as big as they witnessed something. We need them to come forward.”

Francke also confirmed that the audio recording of the shooting, given to police by a neighbor on Galley Court, was authentic.

"You have multiple shooters, multiple caliber weapons used, and a very violent act," Francke said. "I know we can offer the resources and the caring and the compassion to the people that have information - I don't think the same can be said for the individuals who carried out this act."

A candlelight vigil will be held to remember the students Friday night at the school's football stadium. Students and the victim's parents will gather and share stories of Najjar and Ziberov at the vigil. Northwest High School's principal, Jimmy D’Andrea, said he thinks the vigil is an "important part of moving forward," especially since the students have not had the chance to grieve together since graduation.

D’Andrea said local businesses have contributed to the vigil, including candles from Dunkin Donuts, which Najjar made a class project video about his love of the doughnuts, Montgomery Community Media noted.

Shadi Adi Najjar's father, Adi Najjar, told WTOP that Montgomery County Police detectives came to his house at 4:30 a.m. and told him that his son was shot.

“I need an answer; I need to know who killed my boy. Why?” Najjar said. “That’s what I am waiting for — for someone who has the courage, the guts, no fear to come forward to tell us why and who did this to him."

D’Andrea said it’s been a time of “tremendous sadness.” The vigil will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the high school at 13501 Richter Farm Rd., Germantown. The community is invited to attend.

Police are offering a $10,000 CrimeSolvers reward for tips about this case. The number to call with tips is 240.773.TIPS (8477).

Watch the entire news conference below:

Photo: Montgomery Community Media