Fatal Shooting Of Community Activist Concerns Mourning Community Leaders, Family

LARGO, MD — Early Saturday morning, a community activist was gunned down outside a restaurant and leaders are left wondering why.

Prince George's Police were called to the 9600 block of Lottsford Court around 12:45 a.m. for a report of gunshots. They found Cornelius McDonald of Upper Marlboro in a parking lot outside Jasper’s Restaurant on Lottsford Road in the Lake Arbor section of Prince George’s Countywith gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Investigators suspect there may have been some kind of altercation inside the restaurant before the shooting. FOX 5 reported that a suspect fled the scene.

Prince George's County Council Member Wala Blegay described McDonald in a statement as a "beloved leader" who attended Largo High School. She said his "dedication to uplifting others has left a lasting legacy."

"Many are grieving, and because of the type of guy he was, this is bringing real concern and frustration in the community. And I understand it, because some of the message that we send to people, if you’re out there doing good, the last thing we expect for you to do is die by gun violence," Blegay said.

More than five years ago, McDonald's brother also was fatally shot. Known as "Neal" to his friends, McDonald was inspired to start his nonprofit Stay Solid after his brother's death. The organization supports youth and young adults in the region who face mental health challenges. Stay Solid released a statement describing McDonald as "a cherished leader, advocate and pillar of our community."

"His mission to shed light on mental health within inner-city communities and his passionate efforts to combat gun violence were nothing short of inspiring," the statement said.

McDonald's cousin, Lachelle Harrison, said the family is reeling from the loss, but knew how big of an impact he had on the community.

“For us, he was the glue and the heartbeat to our family,” she told NBC Washington. “He loved having fun, and he just loved being around people. He was a change agent in so many different ways, and he was a beautiful soul.”

"He was a dude that was of spirit. He didn’t have a bad bone about him. And bad times that he had to go through with his brother being murdered 5-years ago in July, in 2019. But Neil was one of those guys that would always try to pull everybody together. And if he saw something going on he would be the one to stop confrontation, he wasn’t a conflicting kind of guy," added Rico Scott, McDonald’s cousin.

McDonald’s family issued the following statement through his nonprofit:

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Cornelius ‘Neal’ McDonald, a cherished leader, advocate, and pillar of our community. Neal’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others was evident in everything he did. His mission to shed light on mental health within inner-city communities and his passionate efforts to combat gun violence were nothing short of inspiring.

"Neal was not just a voice of reason but a beacon of hope. He spent his days touring local high schools, sharing his powerful message with students and encouraging them to confront their mental health challenges with courage and authenticity. His ability to connect with young people and motivate them to strive for a better future was a gift that touched countless lives.

"Neal’s passion for creating a safer, more compassionate world will forever leave an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. His loss is a monumental one, not only to his family and friends but also to the many individuals and communities who benefited from his tireless efforts.

"As we grapple with this devastating loss, we ask for privacy to mourn and reflect. Neal’s legacy will continue to inspire us to pursue his vision—a world where every person can thrive, free of violence, and supported in their journey toward mental wellness. Our hearts are heavy, but we are committed to honoring Neal’s memory by carrying forward the work he held so dear. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.”

McDonald leaves behind a 7-year-old son.

Anyone with information about this case who would like to speak to a detective can call 301-516-2512.

Sunday, December 1, 2024

PGPD Investigating Fatal Shooting

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal shooting outside of a restaurant early Saturday morning. The victim is 33-year-old Cornelius McDonald of Upper Marlboro.

The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect shot the victim at approximately 12:45 am on November 30, 2024. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

Investigators are working to identify and arrest the suspect who fled the scene. Preliminarily, detectives are looking into whether the suspect and victim were involved in an altercation prior to the shooting.

Anyone with information on this case who would like to speak to a Homicide Unit detective may call 301-516-2512.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device), or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please refer to case number 24-0071514.

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