Police: Teen sought in deadly Columbia Mall shooting is a "danger to the community"

BALTIMORE -- The Howard County Police Department is searching for a "dangerous" suspect they believe shot and killed 17-year-old Angelo Little at The Mall in Columbia in Howard County on July 27.

Police said William Marshall III, 17, of Columbia, is wanted for first-degree murder and related charges. They believe Marshall, who also goes by "Junior," specifically targeted Little. 

"He is a danger to the community," Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der said. "We don't know where he is and that's why it's extremely important to put it out there and everybody knows what this individual looks like." 

The Howard County Police Department made a note about the release of the suspect's identity and picture despite being a minor. 

"While Maryland state law typically does not allow a juvenile suspect's identification to be released, even when charged as an adult, an exception exists "for the sole purposes of facilitating apprehension of a child and ensuring public safety" when a criminal arrest warrant is issued," the department said.  "Howard County police are identifying Marshall publicly because his whereabouts remain unknown, and he is considered a potential threat to the public due to the nature of his alleged crime."

Video released earlier this month showed the suspected shooter running through several corridors, including the housekeeping hallway of the mall.

According to the Howard County Public School system, Marshall is an Oakland Mills High School student but has not attended school this year. Detectives believe he may have left the immediate area.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Marshall's arrest. 

Police say Marshall has ties to Wicomico County and law enforcement officers there have been notified.

"He is dangerous, extremely dangerous and I want to make sure anybody in the community who sees him, who knows him, to make sure they contact us," Der said.

Mother's worst nightmare

Shortly after the killing, Angelo Little's mother Sherell Wilson told WJZ that her son's murder is a "bad dream I'll never wake up from."

"They had ripped that from me," Wilson said. "Everything that made me happy in life is now gone." 

Wilson said her son was a good student and was excited for his upcoming senior year at the Homewood Center in Ellicott City.

She was hopeful that a suspect would be identified and captured.

"Only way we catch people who do bad things is if someone says something," Wilson said.