Man Sentenced In Fatal 4th Of July Shooting That Killed 6-Year-Old

TEMPLE HILLS, MD — The man found guilty of fatally shooting a 6-year-old at a Fourth of July celebration has been sentenced in the child's death.

Rakeem Gilgeours, 34, argued with another man then shot into a crowd where Ahsan Payton and at least 100 other people were gathered together at a July 4th neighborhood block party on Akron Street celebrating the national holiday. Payton was wounded and died several days later at the hospital. Police found at least 50 shell casings at the scene.

The judge presiding over Friday's sentencing hearing described the incident as a "wild wild west shootout" that never should have happened. Prosecutors said during the hearing that Gilgeours had prior gun convictions and should not have been armed at the party.

Gilgeours was sentenced to the maximum length of time for each criminal count - a total of 60 years in prison. They will run consecutively and are:

• 25 years for first-degree assault
• 20 years for use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
• 15 years for illegal possession of a firearm

“(This) sentence brings a measure of accountability in a case marked by senseless violence and profound loss,” says State’s Attorney Tara Jackson. “It reflects the gravity of the harm inflicted and recognizes the impact this has had on Ahsan’s family and an entire community. Our office remains committed to supporting victims, protecting our communities, and working with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice for those impacted by such violence. We continue to hold Ahsan’s family and loved ones in our thoughts as they endure the lasting impact of this tragedy.”