Annapolis, MD -- Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess announced today that Shamar Terrence Hamm, 23, of Bowie, was found guilty of first degree murder and armed robbery by an Anne Arundel County Circuit Court jury.
"Mr. Hamm became responsible for the felony murder of Andrew Kolta when he agreed to participate in a robbery - a violent crime in which death is a possibility," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "I'm grateful the jury recognized Mr. Hamm's culpability, and held him accountable for the death of an innocent young man."
On January 28, 2018, at approximately 11:36 pm, Anne Arundel County Police responded to the 1400 block of South Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, for a report of a gunshot in the area. Upon arrival, police located an adult male lying in the parking lot and suffering from apparent an gunshot wound.
Fire Department personnel rendered medical aid to the victim and transported him to Baltimore Washington Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The victim was positively identified as Andrew Samir Mehany Kolta, a 28-year-old male who resided in the 1400 block of South Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, Maryland.
Upon investigation, police learned that Hamm and two acquaintances, Dwayne Commock and Celeste Long, drove to the area of Gambrills with the intent of committing a robbery.
Long remained in her vehicle as a "getaway driver" while Hamm and Commock, both wearing masks over their faces to conceal their identities, approached the victim on foot and demanded his wallet. When the victim attempted to run away, Commock shot him in the back. Commock then approached the victim and took his wallet, which contained $17.00, before he and Hamm returned to Long's car and fled the scene.
During the execution of a search warrant, a handgun that was later determined to be the murder weapon was recovered from Long's vehicle.
Commock pleaded guilty to first degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a violent crime. Long pleaded guilty to armed robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a violent crime, and manslaughter.
Hamm was found guilty of first degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and related handgun charges. Sentencing for Hamm, Commock, and Long is scheduled for March 22, 2019.
Judge Glenn L. Klavans presided over the case. Assistant State's Attorneys James Tuomey and Matthew Watt prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.
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