UPDATE 12/04/2025: PGPD’s Homicide Unit identified and charged a man in connection with Wednesday’s fatal shooting at the MGM National Harbor. The suspect is 22-year-old Benjamin Williams of Fort Washington. He is charged with the murder of 23-year-old Darnell Hawkins Jr. of Washington, DC.
On December 3, 2025, at approximately 11:55 am, officers responded to a shooting at the MGM National Harbor. Officers located Hawkins on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Hawkins died at the scene.
Through various investigative techniques, detectives identified Williams as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant.
On Thursday morning, the PGPD’s Fugitive Unit located and arrested Williams. He is charged with first- and second-degree murder and additional charges. He is currently in custody at the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status.
Detectives believe they knew each other, but are still investigating the motive.
Anyone with information on this case who would like to speak to a Homicide Unit detective may call 301-516-2512.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device), or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please refer to case number 25-0067214.
12/03/2025: On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at approximately 12:02 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino located at 101 MGM National Ave in Oxon Hill, for the reported shooting.
Police arrived on the scene to find two victims suffering gunshot wounds.
One victim has been pronounced deceased, the second victim suffered unknown severity of injuries.
The investigation is ongoing and First Responders remain on scene.
Police stated the following: Detectives are actively working to determine the circumstances and identify the suspect who fled the scene.
Preliminarily, this does not appear to be a random shooting.
Updates will be provided when they become available.
