State v. Richard Eugene Middleton, Jr., C-08-CR-20-000341
LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, June 13, 2022, a Charles County jury, after a 6-day trial, convicted Richard Eugene Middleton, Jr., 39, of the First-Degree Murder of Kwasi Louard-Clarke, the Attempted First-Degree Murder of Montreal Wade and Tyrone Coleman, Home Invasion, and related charges.
On June 15, 2020, officers responded to the 2400 block of Shawnee Lane in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found victim Kwasi Louard-Clarke deceased from numerous gunshot wounds. A short distance away, two other victims, Montreal Wade and Tyrone Coleman, were also found suffering from gunshot wounds. Wade and Coleman were transported to area trauma centers for treatment of life-threatening injuries; however, they both survived.
An investigation revealed that prior to the shooting, Middleton and Louard-Clarke got into an altercation at a barber shop where Middleton worked. After the altercation, Louard-Clarke left the barber shop and arrived at his residence in the 11700 block of Lancelot Drive in Waldorf. Louard-Clarke’s parents also lived at that location and were present inside of the residence. Coleman and Wade arrived shortly after to hang out and get a haircut. Middleton, armed with a gun, received a ride to Louard-Clarke’s neighborhood and was dropped off near his home. Middleton proceeded to walk to Louard-Clarke’s residence and began shooting at the men, who were standing outside.
Coleman was shot in the arm and stomach while running away. Wade, who also attempted to run away, was shot in the back twice. Thankfully, both men were able to escape the area in a vehicle operated by Wade. Louard-Clarke was shot in the leg while fleeing to a neighboring residence to get help. Middleton unlawfully entered the residence that Louard-Clarke fled, where children were also present, and pointed a gun at the owner of the residence. Louard-Clarke then exited the residence, followed by Middleton. Louard-Clarke pled for his life to Middleton but was shot multiple times, including at close range to the head. Middleton fled the area after the shooting but was apprehended by police the same day.
During the course of the investigation, multiple witnesses reported the events that occurred. Middleton also confessed to police officers.
A sentencing date for Middleton has been set for August 31, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Guilty
- First-Degree Murder
- 2 Counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder
- 5 Counts of Use of Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
- Home Invasion
- First-Degree Assault
- Loaded Handgun on Person
- Wear, Carry, and Transport of Handgun on Person
- Wear, Carry, and Transport of Handgun in Vehicle
- Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm after Being Convicted of Disqualifying Crime
###