The murder occurred about 3 a.m. Nov. 25, 2004. Mader, who was 23, had finished work at Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern in Waldorf and was in his car approaching the entrance to his neighborhood, Hampshire, at the intersection of Smallwood and St. Stevens Drives in Waldorf. A bullet entered the driver’s side window, killing Mader while his vehicle crashed on the side of the road. Evidence suggests that the shooter stood either in the median on Smallwood Drive or in the parking lot in front of Wade Elementary School.
A substantial reward is offered for information leading to an arrest in the investigation. The reward includes $30,000 raised by Mader’s family through a memorial fund established in his name. Ironworkers Local 5, a union that serves Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas, has raised its contribution to $25,000. $5,000 more than their original offering last spring. Charles County Crime Solvers offers $1,000, bringing the entire reward amount to $56,000. This is the highest reward for information about a crime that has ever been offered in Charles County.
Monday morning, Sheriff Rex Coffey and members of Mader’s family gathered for a press conference at the murder site to announce the new reward fund and appeal to the public for information. Sheriff Coffey established Charles County’s Cold Case Squad in September to ensure justice for Mader’s family and others like his, whose loved ones were victims of unsolved crimes.
Mader’s case has received nationwide attention; America’s Most Wanted aired two segments about the investigation, one in September 2005 and the other in June 2007. Acting on her son’s behalf, Samantha Mader also appeared on the Montel Williams show.
Detectives are continuing to investigate leads received in the wake of the murder and the television spots. Among their most intense investigative efforts is the process of identifying the person who called 9-1-1 from a payphone shortly after Mader was killed. Prince George’s County Police received the call but it was disconnected by the caller after a brief conversation. The 9-1-1 dispatcher was unable to get the caller’s contact information. The Sheriff’s Office released part of the recording, which remains available on its Web site, www.ccso.us.
Anyone who has information about this investigation is urged to contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. All callers remain anonymous and are eligible for the $56,000 reward. Those with information may also call Detective K. Keelan at 301-609-6509.
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