Two sets of handcuffs.
Two sets of handcuffs.

Three men charged in targeted Columbia parking lot killing

Posted by
1 min read
March 18, 2026
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
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News

Facebook

Breaking News

Don't Miss