Alhaji Bah, 25
UPDATE: UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – A Prince George’s County judged sentenced Alhaji Bah, age 25, of Bowie, a total sentence of 80, suspending all but 28 years, in prison for conspiracy to commit the murder of James Puryear, Jr., in June 2018.
Upon release, Bah will be required to be on five years of supervised probation and is ordered to have no contact with the victim’s family.
On June 26, 2018, Prince George’s County police officers responded to 8715 Binghampton Place in Upper Marlboro in reference to multiple 911 calls for reported gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, officers located Puryear, age 27, lying in the grass suffering from 14 gunshot wounds. In addition he also had multiple lacerations attributable to blunt force trauma. Puryear was pronounced dead on the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Police were able to establish Bah as a person of interest soon after the murder. When asked about any possible involvement, Bah quickly distanced himself. However, forensics, including finger prints, DNA and cell phone information, placed him at the location of the shooting at the time 911 calls were being made.
In addition, police learned that an associate of Bah was shot the day before. Police believed that was Bah’s motive in this case. Further investigation revealed that Bah lured Puryear to the location of the shooting under false pretences.
“I want to thank the Howard County police for working together with Prince George’s County detectives, and the prosecutors in this case for their commitment to holding Mr. Bah accountable,” said Prince George’s State’s Attorney Braveboy. “I also commend Mr. Puryear’s family for staying the course through this process of seeking justice for your loved one.”
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – December 30, 2018 – Homicide Unit detectives arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide in Upper Marlboro that took place in June. The suspect is 23-year-old Alhaji Bah of the 10000 block of Nicol Court in Bowie. He is charged with fatally shooting 22-year-old James Puryear of Nicol Circle in Bowie.
On June 26, 2018, at about 9:50 pm, patrol officers were called to the 8000 block of Binghampton Place in Upper Marlboro for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, officers found Puryear suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
The preliminary investigation reveals the fatal shooting stemmed from a dispute between the suspect and victim. The suspect and victim were acquaintances.
Bah is charged with first and second degree murder and related charges. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing 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 onto your mobile device.)