WALDORF, Md. — Charles County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of David Leroy Raley, 47, of Waldorf, found with a gunshot wound outside an apartment door on July 3, 2025. Officers responded to the 3000 block of October Place at 4:23 p.m. after a report of an unconscious male. Despite first aid efforts by officers and EMS, Raley was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities are seeking public assistance to identify suspects and determine the motive behind the homicide.
Officers discovered Raley with a single gunshot wound to the upper body. Emergency personnel attempted to save him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death. The Sheriff’s Office has not released details about potential suspects or whether the shooting was targeted, citing the ongoing investigation.
Detectives have urged anyone with information to contact Detective Worley at 301-609-6518. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com, or via the P3Intel mobile app. Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest or indictment, with all tips kept confidential.
The investigation includes canvassing the October Place area for witnesses and evidence, such as surveillance footage. The daytime incident increases the chance of bystander observations. Forensic teams are processing the scene, focusing on ballistic evidence and other materials to identify the shooter. No weapon has been reported recovered, and no specific individuals have been named as suspects.
Charles County Crime Solvers, a community-funded program, supports investigations through anonymous tips, contributing to dozens of arrests annually. Maryland law protects informants, ensuring no legal repercussions for good-faith tips. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a 24/7 tip line to encourage timely information sharing, highlighting the role of community cooperation in resolving violent crimes.
The 3000 block of October Place has seen prior incidents, including a non-fatal shooting in April 2025. Detectives are examining possible connections to other local crimes, though none have been confirmed. The Sheriff’s Office, established in 1658 and accredited since 2001, relies on its Criminal Investigations Division, supported by patrol and forensic units, to lead the case.
The Sheriff’s Office will release further details when appropriate, balancing transparency with investigative needs. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity from the time of the incident. The case remains a priority, with detectives pursuing evidence-based leads and public tips to resolve the homicide.
