MITCHELLVILLE, Md. — A 48-year-old Maryland man is dead after he was found shot inside a car early Thursday morning in Mitchellville, Prince George's County Police Department said. Noel Njoku was delivering food for DoorDash when he was killed, police said.
Police were called to the reported shooting just before 12:30 a.m., in the 3700 block of Lottsford Vista Road. At the scene, they found Njoku suffering from several gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.
An investigation into the shooting revealed that Njoku was delivering food to a home in the area when he was shot, police said.
Njoku was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.
"I know the DoorDash guy was delivering for my sister, and that was it -- I don't know anything else," said Wendy Kiser, who said she sometimes stays in the house too.
Wendy Kiser said the home has been in her family for generations. It's up a long driveway in the 37-hundred block of Lottsford Vista.
Njoku's family told WUSA9's Bruce Leshan that he was a father of four from Nigeria. His widow said they have no idea how they'll survive without him.
"I just want an answer! Who killed my husband, leaving my four children for me? Who killed my husband?" Noela Njoku said through tears in the family's Springdale home, which was crowded with members of their extended family.
AAA-MidAtlantic spokesman John Townsend -- who lives nearby -- suspects the attack is part of a disturbing surge in violence we've seen during the pandemic.
"This is an opportunistic crime and it can strike anywhere," he said. "Many drivers are being targeted by carjackers and jump in drivers. But now by people who are robbing them and taking their lives."
In a statement, DoorDash said they “immediately reached out to law enforcement to offer our assistance in any way we can, and are in touch with Njoku’s family to extend support.... We are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence and our hearts go out to Mr. Njoku’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call detectives at 301-516-2512. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477). Police ask that you refer to case 21-0036381.