Family Seeks Justice After 19-Year-Old Shot Dead in Maryland

HYATTSVILLE, Md. — The family of Donnell Stephenson, a 19-year-old employee of Prince George’s County Public Schools, is searching for answers following his fatal shooting early Sunday morning.

Stephenson was shot inside a home on St. Michaels Drive in Mitchellville, according to Prince George’s County police. His stepmother, Erika Stephenson, recalled the last message she received from her son shortly before the tragic incident: “He said, ‘Mom, I’m going outside for a quick second.'”

Days after her son’s death, Erika expressed the family’s profound grief during a public plea, stating, “Numb. Numb. My husband and I keep saying we’re just waiting for him to stick his key in the door.”

“He wasn’t in the streets, he wasn’t,” his older sister, Aniya Stephenson, emphasized. “He was an innocent bystander.”

Members of the family spoke with News4 outside their Hyattsville home, determined to remind the public that Donnell was more than just a statistic. “He has a family who loves him,” Erika said. “Social media views him as just another young Black man, but he wasn’t. He was somebody’s brother, somebody’s son, best friend, cousin, support system.”

Family photos showcased the joyful teen, whose passions included photography and the Dallas Cowboys. Aniya fondly described her brother as her protector and “my first best friend.”

“Everybody that ever came into his space, he made them laugh, he made them feel safe,” she said. “Every picture you see of him, I promise you will see all 32 of his teeth,” Erika added.

Stephenson began his job with Prince George’s County Public Schools in September, maintaining a local elementary school, a significant source of pride for his family. “He graduated high school last year and started a career with Prince George’s County Public Schools at 19 years old, with a pension,” Erika said.

As the investigation proceeds, Prince George’s County police have not released information regarding a motive or potential suspects. “All we’ve heard from them is that it wasn’t for him,” Erika noted.

While waiting for answers, the Stephenson family cherishes memories from Donnell’s prom last year and a recent 5K they ran together. They urge anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. “I want people to do the right thing and say something, you know, let us have a little closure,” Erika pleaded.

A reward of $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. Anyone with details is encouraged to contact Prince George’s County police.