Maryland

Man Charged in Shooting That Killed Teen; At Least 1 Gunman Sought

Elisha Amon Cole "had a lot of aspirations of going to college," his teacher said

What to Know

  • Elisha Cole was a senior at Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, Maryland.
  • Police are searching for the person who shot Cole, 17, after a dispute between two groups in Waldorf.

A 24-year-old man has been charged in connection with a shooting in Waldorf, Maryland, that left a 17-year-old high school student dead, and police are still looking for at least one other suspect.

Andre Raynard Hilliard Johnson, of La Plata, was arrested on Oct. 19 and charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and other charges.

The charges stem from an Oct. 3 shooting that claimed the life of Elisha Cole.

According to police, one group was standing in front of a home on the 11200 block of Wildmeadow Street in when another group approached. Investigators say people in both groups had been involved in previous altercations. 

Police believe Johnson walked up to the group that had been gathered outside the home and fired several shots. At least one person in that group fired back at Johnson, but Cole, who was standing nearby, was struck. 

Police say they have not been able to identify the second gunman. 

Cole, a senior at Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, was remembered by one of his teachers as a very respectful student.

"We're stunned because, like I said, he was a very respectful person, not just to teachers but to staff," Andre Kenan said. "Prior to coming to Thomas Stone, he had a lot of aspirations of going to college."

Anyone with information for police that can help police is asked to call 1-866-411-8477.

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