Man convicted in Temple Hills Fourth of July shooting that claimed life of 6-year-old boy

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (DC New Now) — Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson announced Tuesday that a man was found guilty in connection with the shooting at a Fourth of July block party that took the life of a 6-year-old boy.

On Aug. 18, Jackson announced that 34-year-old Rakeem Gilgeours was convicted on first-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and illegal possession of a firearm.

On July 4, 2024, officers with the Prince George’s County Police Department responded to the 4500 block of Akron Street, where a shooting had broken out at a Fourth of July block party. There, first responders located 6-year-old Ahsan Payton as well as two other people, who had been shot.

Ahsan was taken to the hospital, where he passed away from his injuries two days later.

There were two other victims; a man suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and a woman was grazed by a bullet.

As the investigation continued, police learned that Gilgeours had attended the block party in Temple Hills. When the shooting broke out, Ahsan was struck in the crossfire.

“The defendant chose to not only bring a gun to a neighborhood event where families and children were present but also made the decision to use it. His actions and the actions of others have left a family and community devastated. Our office remains committed to seeking justice in every case and holding people accountable for violent and reckless behavior. Gun violence in our communities will not be tolerated, and we will continue to prioritize efforts to prevent it in our communities. We want to recognize our attorneys and law enforcement partners for their tireless work on this case, and our thoughts are with Ahsan’s family and loved ones as they continue to navigate this incredibly difficult time.” 
said Jackson.

Gilgeours was apprehended in Guyana, South America, last summer and extradited to Maryland. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 31.