Prince George’s County Police Department

Suspect in Girlfriend's Homicide Found Shot to Death at the Scene Days Later

Police are investigating the suspect's death as a suicide

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A suspect in the killing of his girlfriend was found dead Wednesday night at the scene of her homicide, Prince George’s County police said.

Moyonna Tillman, 24, was shot outside her home on Hackberry Court in Clinton, Maryland, on Sept. 24, police said. Detectives got a warrant for 25-year-old James Darnell Kirkland charging him in the domestic homicide.

Kirkland returned to Tillman’s home Wednesday night, police said.

Police responding to a call about a shooting found Kirkland dead in the yard.

His death is being investigated as a suicide from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The medical examiner’s office will determine an official cause and manner of death.

Detectives returned to the scene Thursday with a metal detector to search for evidence.

Police did not give a motive for Tillman’s death other than saying it was domestic related.

Community Advocates for Family & Youth Executive Director Arlene Joell says reports of domestic violence are up 18% in the county. She says the pandemic continues to play a role in domestic abuse due to financial strains, stress and job loss.

CORRECTION (Oct. 2, 2021 at 9:39 p.m. EST): An earlier version of this story had an incorrect age listed for Moyonna Tillman. She was 24 at the time of her death.

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