WASHINGTON — The younger brothers of a man who sparked a chaotic shootout that eventually cost a Maryland police officer his life have both plead guilty for their roles in the attack.
Malik and Elijah Ford both appeared in Prince George’s County Court to answer for their role in a case that rocked the department last year.
The two were both at the scene, videotaping and encouraging their brother, Michael Ford, to begin shooting at police officers outside Prince George’s County police District 3 station in Palmer Park in March of 2016.
The shootout that ensued ultimately led one police officer to shoot and kill Detective Jacai Colson, a 28-year-old officer who worked undercover and was not in uniform when the bullets started flying.
Malik plead guilty to attempted murder, conspiracy and one other charge. He will be sentenced next year to 50 years with all but 20 suspended.
Elijah plead guilty to conspiracy to commit murder. He’ll be sentenced next year to 50 years with all but 12 suspended.
They appeared separately in court.
Both brothers were both facing multiple charges of attempted murder, assault and other related charges. Their brother Michael faces similar charges, as well as a count of first-degree murder.
Prosecutors say all three planned the attack, and even recorded it so they could post it online in the hopes of the video going viral.
Colson was down the street from the police station and was firing in the direction of the brothers when another officer saw him shooting and fired the fatal shot. That officer was investigated and ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, since there was no indication Colson was a police officer.
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