Police Search For Suspected Shooter After Man Killed During Candlelight Vigil At Park

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD — Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Nov. 8 in a park in Capitol Heights during a candlelight vigil held for a homicide victim.

The incident happened around 5:50 p.m. at Walker Mill Regional Park in a remote area. An estimated 50 people had gathered there in the 7700 block of Walker Mill road. According to police, a fight broke out and more than 20 shots were fired. People ran for cover but when police arrived, there was still a large crowd.

Police found 43-year-old Morris Haskins Jr. of Washington, D.C., with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital and died the next day.

"At this point, we don't have any leads as to what transpired. We do know that typically when we have candlelight vigils, the loss of life, you know, tempers flare, and typically, you know, folks try to handle their own justice," Germaine Haywood with Maryland National Capital Park Police told Fox5 DC. "When you have things like that, if there is any information that you can provide to us, please allow us to do our job."

The Prince George’s County Police Department investigates all homicides that occur in the jurisdiction of Maryland-National Capital Park Police and detectives continue to identify a suspect. Anyone with information about this case who would like to speak to a detective can call 301-516-2512.