Botched robbery led to murder of Waldorf teen, investigators say

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Two men are facing murder charges in connection with the March shooting death of a Waldorf teen following a botched robbery.

Charles County Sheriff's Office investigators say the victim, 18-year-old Walter Eugene Thomas, and a friend were walking along Fairchild Court in Waldorf when two men approached them in a car, threatening to rob them.

During the exchange, one of the suspects opened fire, striking Thomas as he ran away.

Thomas managed to run to Freemantle Court, where he collapsed and died, according to investigators.

According to the sheriff's office, they pursued a number of leads without result until they linked Michael Rashid Moore, 22, to a shooting in Amber Leaf Place in Waldorf on March 3. In that case, they say Moore shot a 23-year-old after an argument.

After they jailed Moore, charging him with attempted murder and first-degree assault, they were able to connect him with Thomas' murder.

They also were able to identify 24-year-old Darren Earl Miller of D.C. in connection with the homicide, and he was extradited to Charles County.

Both men are now charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, robbery, and other related charges.

They are currently jailed without bond.

Investigators believe Thomas' murder was random.