The Prince George’s County community is reeling from the tragic death of a beloved local basketball star, 40-year-old Andrew Carnell, known affectionately as ‘Spongebob’ Jackson, who was fatally shot in the early hours of Saturday morning in the Temple Hills neighborhood. The suspect in the shooting has been identified as 36-year-old Estep Kyler Jr. of Largo, Maryland.
Who is Estep Kyler Jr?
According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 4:05 a.m. on February 10th, when officers responded to reports of a shooting on Iverson Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Kyler suffering from a gunshot wound in the 2300 block of Iverson Street. Kyler informed officers that he had been involved in a confrontation with his friend, Andrew Washington, also known as ‘Sponge,’ while the two were seated in a car in a parking lot in the 2400 block of Iverson Street.
Tragically, officers found Washington inside the vehicle, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Kyler shot Washington during the altercation, before turning the weapon on himself. Kyler was subsequently taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. He now faces charges of first and second-degree murder, along with other related offenses.
As the community grapples with the loss of a local icon, authorities urge anyone with information on the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Individuals can reach out to the Homicide Unit detective at 301-516-2512 to provide any relevant details.
The tragic incident has left many in shock and mourning, as tributes pour in for Andrew ‘Spongebob’ Jackson, whose impact on the local basketball scene will be deeply missed. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against Estep Kyler Jr. will continue as he awaits his release from the hospital to face justice for his alleged involvement in the senseless killing.
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The Prince George’s County community remains united in support of the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time, as they seek justice and closure in the wake of this devastating loss.
