LA PLATA — A suspect has been charged with attempted murder in the Oct. 17 shooting that left a man critically injured on Pomonkey Way, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office said.
Detectives identified Diontrae La Shaun Gantt as the suspect, and a warrant charging him with attempted murder was issued Oct. 20, the agency said in an Oct. 27 news release. Gantt turned himself in to detectives the next day, Oct. 21. He was taken to the Charles County Detention Center, served with the warrant and is being held without bond.
The charges are allegations. Gantt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What happened
Officers were called to the 600 block of Pomonkey Way in La Plata around 1:20 a.m. Oct. 17 for a report of a shooting. They found an adult man with a gunshot wound, who was taken to a hospital and treated for critical injuries, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Chronicle reported the shooting that morning, when investigators had not yet named a suspect.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a preliminary investigation found that the suspect and the victim knew each other and that the shooting did not appear to be random. The release did not describe a motive or how the two knew each other, and it did not give Gantt’s age or hometown or an update on the victim’s condition.
What the charge carries
Maryland law separates attempted murder into two degrees. Attempted first-degree murder, which requires proof of a deliberate, premeditated intent to kill, carries a maximum of life in prison. Attempted second-degree murder carries up to 30 years. The Sheriff’s Office release does not specify the degree, which will be set out in the charging documents and could change as the case moves to the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Held without bond, Gantt will remain in custody while the case proceeds. Defendants in Maryland are entitled to a bail review before a District Court judge, and serious felony cases are typically moved to Circuit Court after indictment.
Tips still sought
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Worley at 301-609-6518. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 can contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or through the P3 Tips mobile app.
