Waldorf, MD (Jan. 11, 2025) – A 21-year-old woman was pronounced dead early Friday morning after her body was discovered on Smallwood Drive West near St. Patrick’s Drive in Waldorf. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hit-and-run.
At approximately 7:17 a.m., a Charles County Sheriff’s patrol officer spotted the victim lying in the eastbound lane of the roadway. The officer arrived just as a citizen was calling 9-1-1. Upon approaching the victim, identified as Zarria Courtney McDade of Waldorf, the officer found her unconscious and not breathing. CPR was initiated until EMS arrived, but McDade was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary findings suggest McDade sustained injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Investigators believe the incident occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 6:40 a.m., but there are currently no known witnesses.
The Traffic Operations Unit is leading the investigation, with support from detectives in the Criminal Investigations Division. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone with information about this incident, particularly individuals who may have noticed a vehicle with fresh damage, is urged to contact PFC Skodzinski at 301-609-3282. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS, online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com, or via the P3Intel mobile app.
Further details will be released as they become available.
