Second Woman Convicted in Columbia Shooting of 2 Teenagers

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A second woman, Wyketa Burgess, has been convicted by a Howard County jury in connection with an October 2024 shooting of two teenagers outside a grocery store in Columbia, Maryland. Burgess was found guilty of multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault, and firearms offenses. Her co-defendant, Dieneba Traore, was previously convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the shooting.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and retaliatory crimes in the Columbia community. The shooting stemmed from a reported armed robbery of the son of Burgess' co-defendant, raising concerns about the cycle of violence and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such incidents.

The details

According to prosecutors, Burgess and Traore conspired with a gunman to target the two teenage victims. The gunman waited outside the grocery store and shot at the teens as they tried to flee, wounding them in the legs. Investigators determined that one of the victims was involved in the robbery reported by Traore, but the second victim was not.

• The shooting occurred on October 12, 2024.
• Burgess was convicted by a Howard County jury in March 2026.
• Traore was found guilty in July 2025 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

What’s next

Burgess is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10. The gunman who conspired with Burgess and Traore has not yet been identified, and the investigation into his involvement is ongoing.