UPDATE 4-14-2020: The Prince George’s County Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for the man wanted in connection with fatally shooting a woman inside of the suspect’s Chillum apartment on Friday night. The suspect then set a fire in the home before fleeing the scene.
The victim is 23-year-old Zena Nichols of Washington, D.C. The suspect is 42-year-old Jerome John Harris of the 7000 block of Highview Terrace. The suspect and victim were in a relationship.
On April 10th, at approximately 10:10 p.m., Prince George’s County Fire personnel responded to the 7000 block of Highview Terrace. They observed smoke coming from the windows and door of a second-floor apartment.
Once inside, firefighters found the victim in a bedroom suffering from severe burns. She was pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy later determined the victim had been shot. Her cause of death was ruled to be multiple gunshot wounds and the manner a homicide.
Harris is charged with first and second degree murder, arson, assault and related charges. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest and indictment. The motive for the domestic-related murder remains under investigation.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call 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.) Please refer to case 20-0018641.
UPDATE 4/12/2020: Fire Investigators with the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department along with Detectives from the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit are investigating a fire where a deceased female was located inside of a residence.
On Friday, April 10th, at approximately 10:12 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to 7007 Highview Terrace in Hyattsville.
Units arrived on scene at approximately 10:16 p.m., and found smoke showing from the windows and door of one apartment in a three-story garden-style apartment building.
Firefighters immediately began search efforts while working to extinguish the fire which was contained to a bedroom inside of one of the units. Firefighters located a deceased female in the bedroom. Investigators are working to establish her identity. The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy which will determine cause and manner of death.
Two residents in a nearby apartment self-evacuated during the fire. The Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management provided assistance to four displaced residents.
Preliminarily, investigators determined the unit did not have a working smoke alarm. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Property damage is estimated at $50,000.
If you have any information about this case please call Fire Investigators at 301-77-ARSON (301- 772-7766) or call Prince George’s County Police Homicide Detectives at 301-516-2512. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call CrimeSolver’s 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.)
4/10/2020: On Friday, April 10, 2020, at approximately 10:12 p.m., firefighters in Prince George’s County responded to 7007 Highview Terrace in Hyattsville, for the reported apartment fire.
Firefighters arrived on the scene to find one apartment unit on fire, and upon further investigation, firefighters found the fire contained to a bedroom in the unit. Firefighters located one deceased subject in the bedroom.
Prince George’s County Fire Investigators responded to the scene to investigate the cause and origin.
Four residents were displaced and are currently being assisted by the Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management.
Firefighters reported smoke alarms were not sounding when they arrived, and reported two other occupants of the apartment unit escaped and requested emergency medical personnel to check them out.
Updates will be provided when they become available.
