Police investigating deadly shooting of 24-year-old father in Seat Pleasant

SEAT PLEASANT, Md. - Police in Prince George's County are investigating a deadly shooting Wednesday afternoon in a neighborhood in Seat Pleasant, officials said.

Seat Pleasant police said officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 6600 block of Grieg Street at around 3:53 p.m. When they arrived at the scene, they located a black male victim suffering from several gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members of the 24-year-old victim said they believe he was walking from his mother's house to a local recreation center. He was well-known in the community for playing basketball and his mother said he had played alongside NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who grew up in the city. The victim was planning to take a trip to China to play with a travel league.

Relatives broke down with emotion Wednesday evening. They said the victim was excited that his child, who is about to turn 1 years old, just took his first steps last week.

The victim's mother described her last moments with her son.

"He came and changed his clothes, gave me the baby and went to the bathroom," said Darlene Rainey Adair. "Basketball was his life, and his son."

"We're planning a birthday party for his son who is turning one this month and we have to plan it without him," said Urania Jackson, the victim's sister.

So far, police have not released any possible motive for the shooting or information about a suspect. Seat Pleasant Police Chief Devan Martin said they do not believe there is an immediate threat to the community.

Prince George's County police's homicide detectives are leading the investigation into the shooting.

While police were conducting their investigation, a large group of community members gathered outside in the neighborhood to pray. The victim's mother and sister are pleading for witnesses to come forward with information.

"My mom lives not even two minutes from here and her son is right around the corner dying, taking his last breath and nobody had enough decency to say your son is around here or I saw this or to even come and send a private message," said Jackson. "Even though you might think thugs and people are selling drugs around the community, when we band together, we are strong and I just want people to band together."