Prince George's County

Man Arrested in Killing of His 71-Year-Old Mother in Temple Hills

"Why? Why would he do this? Why? What got so bad that you had to do this?" the victim's niece asked. "No words can express how I feel ... It’s just, devastating. We lost for words."

NBC Universal, Inc.

A man has been arrested in the killing of his own 71-year-old mother, who was found dead in her apartment Sunday afternoon, Prince George's County detectives said.

Officers were sent to the residence of Johnetta Wormley in the 2900 block of Brinkley Road in Temple Hills to check on her shortly before 2 p.m. They found her with trauma to her body.

Police believe Wormley was killled by her own son, 53-year-old John Frederick Carrington. Carrington was arrested in D.C.

Stacie Thomas held a picture of Wormley on Monday as she grieved with two cousins by her side. She said it was difficult to process that her favorite aunt had been killed.

"Why? Why would he do this? Why? What got so bad that you had to do this?" Thomas asked. "No words can express how I feel ... It’s just, devastating. We lost for words."

Red evidence tape could be seen on the front door as neighbors expressed their shock.

"To know that someone killed their mother is bad enough, but to know it’s in our complex, it’s just unbelievable," neighbor Renee Godbolt said.

Local

Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information

Smoky air alters Walt Whitman High School graduation plans

Got cars? Fairfax's automotive tech program finds unlikely donor

Police said Carrington also is charged with stabbing someone in Clinton a day before he allegedly killed his mother. The victim in that case survived.

He also is charged with allegedly attempting to rob a gas station.

While police searched and tried to determine a motive, the suspect’s cousins had a message for him.

"Johnnie, turn yourself in. Please," they said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 301-516-2512. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the "P3 Tips" mobile app (search "P3 Tips" in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app). Refer to case 21-0039320 when sending a tip.

Contact Us