‘Taken far too soon’: After Gaithersburg teen’s murder, 2 suspects arrested

Taeyon Malachi Prather (right hand side) / Photo courtesy the Prather family

18-year-old Taeyon Malachi Prather is remembered by his family as “a remarkable young man brimming with love, charisma, and kindness.”

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser started by his family, Prather was a high school graduate balancing two jobs with dreams of a bright future ahead.

The day after New Year’s, Prather went to sell a jacket on Rolling Fork Way in Gaithersburg . He was fatally shot during the transaction, according to the Montgomery County Police Department.

“His life was taken far too soon, leaving a void in the hearts of everyone who knew him,” his family stated on the fundraiser page.

More than $11,200 has been raised as of Tuesday afternoon — the fundraiser will support Prather’s mother, Ranesha, and his younger brother.

In an update Tuesday morning, police said two suspects have been arrested for Prather’s murder.

A 16-year-old from Gaithersburg and a 20-year-old from Montgomery Village have been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery, according to police.

Crime Solvers of Montgomery County got a tip last week that led investigators to the 16-year-old suspect. During investigation, detectives also connected the 20-year-old to Prather’s death.

Both suspects were arrested Monday at their homes. They are being held while they await bond hearings, according to police.

Comments are closed.

Related Articles