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UPPER MARLBORO, MD – In under two hours of deliberation, a jury returned a guilty verdict on conspiracy to commit first degree murder charges against 24-year old Alhaji Bah, of Bowie. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2020 and he faces life in prison.
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 James Puryear, Jr. 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 develop Bah as a person of interest soon after the murder. When police asked Bah about any possible involvement, he 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 pretenses.
“The this was a challenging case. I want to commend Prince George’s County and Howard County detectives for their excellent investigation and for working collaboratively with my prosecutors to hold Mr. Bah accountable for his actions. Today, we delivered justice to Mr. Puryear’s family and our community,” said Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.
Contact: Denise Smith | Phone: 240-832-4970 | Email: dgsmith@co.pg.md.us