(Updated 27 Jan 2006)Matthew Lorenzo Pickett, Jr., 21,
of the 7000 block of Gambier Drive.
Beaten in an unprovoked attack on his way to a movie at the Boulevard at the Capital Centre (20774) about 11:00 pm, November 5, 2005. Died of his injuries on November 7, 2005.
Council District 6 (Dean)
Legislative District 24 (Exum, Benson, Howard, Vaughn)
A second police press release is not online. Additional information about the victim: Post, November 9, 2005. Not originally reported by the Gazette, which later published multiple stories about the location, the suspect, and the victim's school on November 17, 2005 and more (see below) on January 26 and 27, 2006.
A 15-year-old Lanover youth was arrested November 15, 2005, and charged as a juvenile with manslaughter.
Police, November 16, 2005
Post, November 16, 2005 (by Clarence Williams)
. . . Officials declined to release further details.Followup stories on the autopsy:
Pickett's relatives were upset by the juvenile manslaughter charges, the victim's uncle, Mark Pickett, said in a telephone interview last night.
"It's a complete travesty if this kid gets manslaughter at 15," Pickett said. "We feel he should be charged as an adult because he's doing adult things." [More]
Post, 5 Jan 2005 (by Avis Thomas-Lester)
wjla.com, 5 Jan 2006 (AP)
Obituary: Post, November 13, 2005.
Additional followups:
- Safety foremost; Recent spate of assaults prompts shopping malls to beef up security.
- Gazette, 27 Jan 2006 (by Marcus Moore, Staff Writer).
Two months ago, Matthew Pickett, a 21-year-old Upper Marlboro resident, became the first homicide victim at the $85 million Boulevard at the Capital Centre in Largo.
The slaying was one of several violent incidents in recent months at malls statewide — from Baltimore to Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, and elsewhere — that have prompted mall owners, managers and security executives to ratchet up security.
[Full story].
- School honors slain teacher with poetry.
- Gazette, 26 Jan 2006 (by Lester J. Davis, Staff Writer).
. . . About 70 students, parents and teachers filled the multi-purpose room Friday evening for a poetry night tribute to Matthew L. Pickett Jr., a teacher’s aide at Rosaryville, who was beaten to death Nov. 5, 2005 at the Boulevard at the Capital Centre, in Largo. . . .
This crazy 150 murders!!!!! To all of the hard working citizens of this county. To all of the educated professionals who reside in our upper middle class neighborhoods (Largo, Fort Washington, Clinton, Upper Marlboro etc) We need to take action. We need to reclaim our county!!!! I know I am am mentor. I am trying to influence as many youth in the area as possible. that is m contribution. What are you doing??? How are you contributing??? Or are you just hiding out in your 400,000 dollar homes and locking the door, ignoring what is going on all around you. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!
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