Two suspects charged in fatal shooting at capitol heights tire shop

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. — Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Anthony Okoye, a 41-year-old tire shop employee, in Capitol Heights, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The suspects, Ronnell Hardy, 43, of Capitol Heights, and Avery Eccles, 42, of Upper Marlboro, were identified following a tip to Prince George’s County Crime Solvers.

Police responded to a welfare check on September 14 at around 6:30 a.m. in the 1200 block of Marblewood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Okoye with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

According to the preliminary investigation, Hardy and Eccles were customers at the tire shop and got into a dispute with Okoye over payment for tires. The disagreement escalated, leading to the shooting, police said.

Both suspects face charges of first and second-degree murder, as well as related offenses. They are currently in custody at the Department of Corrections.

The Prince George’s County Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate the incident, and authorities credited the community for assisting with critical information in the case.

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