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Prosecutors and Police Piece Together Evidence to Crack Murder Conspiracy
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 pretenses.
“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.”
Contact: Denise Smith | Phone: 240-832-4970 | Email: dgsmith@co.pg.md.us