Months-long investigation leads to charges in Columbia homicide
COLUMBIA, Md. — Three Baltimore men are facing murder charges months after a deadly shooting in a Columbia parking lot that investigators say was a targeted attack.
Howard County police announced charges in the August 19, 2025 killing of 39-year-old Leon Grant of Salisbury.
Authorities said officers responded around 10:35 p.m. to a parking lot near Dove Sail Lane and Merriweather Drive, where Grant was found dead inside a vehicle.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified Montreal Proctor, 26, Talondo Short, 36, and Damon Simpson Jr., 34, as suspects.
Investigators said Grant had arranged to meet Proctor at the location. As Grant was getting into Proctor’s vehicle, Short and Simpson allegedly arrived in a second vehicle.
During the encounter, Grant was shot.
Police said Proctor remained at the scene and spoke with officers, while the other two suspects fled.
Authorities confirmed that Proctor and Grant knew each other and described the shooting as targeted. The motive remains under investigation.
Proctor and Short are currently being held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center. Simpson is already incarcerated on an unrelated case.
Key Points
- Three Baltimore men charged in fatal Columbia shooting
- Victim identified as 39-year-old Leon Grant of Salisbury
- Shooting occurred August 19, 2025 in Merriweather District