Woman shot and killed in Suitland; Police searching for suspects, motive

The Prince George’s County Police Department is actively working to make an arrest in the fatal shooting of a transgender female in Suitland late Saturday night. 

Officers responded to an apartment in the 2300 block of Brooks Drive on Saturday, July 17 around 10 p.m. for a shooting. The victim, 20-year-old Tavahn Ashton who went by Taya, was located inside of her apartment suffering from a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Detectives are working to identify any suspects and determine a motive. Based on the preliminary investigation, at this time, detectives do not believe this was a random crime.

At this point in the investigation, police say they have uncovered no evidence suggesting Taya’s murder was due to her gender identity, but are exploring all possibilities.

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Anyone with information should reach out by calling 301-516-2512. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS, go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the "P3 Tips" mobile app. Please refer to case 21-0032181.

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