3 Men Charged in 2025 Fatal Shooting in Merriweather District

Howard County police arrest three Baltimore residents for August 2025 killing of Leon Grant.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Three people have been charged in connection with the August 2025 fatal shooting of Leon Grant in Columbia's Merriweather District, according to Howard County police. Montreal Proctor, 26, Talondo Short, 36, and Damon Simpson Jr., 34, all of Baltimore, were charged with first- and second-degree murder, among other charges.

Why it matters

This shooting incident in the Merriweather District, a popular entertainment and event venue in Columbia, Maryland, raised concerns about public safety in the area and prompted a police investigation that has now led to the arrests of three suspects.

The details

Police say the alleged shooter, Damon Simpson Jr., was waiting for the victim, Leon Grant, to return to his car in a parking lot at Dove Sail Lane and Merriweather Drive. Grant was shot multiple times and died from his injuries. Detectives determined the identities of the three suspects through video, witness statements, and evidence collected at the scene.

  • The shooting occurred around 10:35 p.m. on August 19, 2025.
  • Police had previously offered a $5,000 reward for information about the shooting.
  • Simpson was already incarcerated for another crime when he was charged in this case.

The players

Montreal Proctor

A 26-year-old Baltimore resident charged with first- and second-degree murder in the 2025 shooting.

Talondo Short

A 36-year-old Baltimore resident charged with first- and second-degree murder in the 2025 shooting.

Damon Simpson Jr.

A 34-year-old Baltimore resident charged with first- and second-degree murder in the 2025 shooting. He was already incarcerated for another crime when charged in this case.

Leon Grant

A 39-year-old man who was fatally shot multiple times in the Merriweather District parking lot in August 2025.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Damon Simpson Jr. out on bail, given that he was already incarcerated for another crime when charged in this case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in the Baltimore region, as well as the importance of thorough police investigations to bring suspects to justice, even when they are already incarcerated for other crimes.