Staffer at Maryland Assisted-Living Facility Charged Over Killing of Elderly Millionaire Resident
A staff member at an assisted-living facility in Maryland has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of an elderly millionaire resident, according to police authorities. The incident, which occurred on Valentine's Day, has shocked the local community and raised serious questions about security in such care environments.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Maurquise Emillo James, a 22-year-old from Baltimore who was employed at the Cogir Potomac Senior Living facility, was arrested on Tuesday following the deadly shooting of Robert Fuller Jr., aged 87. The Montgomery County Police Department announced the arrest on Wednesday, revealing that James faces charges related to the murder.
Authorities discovered Fuller unresponsive inside his apartment at the assisted-living facility on the morning of February 14, after responding to a report of a medical emergency. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not find a firearm in the apartment but uncovered evidence consistent with a contact gunshot wound to the head, according to official statements.
Surveillance Footage and Investigation Breakthrough
Surveillance video from the facility captured a masked suspect entering the building through a side door. Shortly after, the individual exited through the same door and fled down the sidewalk. In an effort to identify the perpetrator, police released footage showing a person with long black hair, wearing a long-sleeve flannel shirt and dark-colored pants, walking in the courtyard area.
This video prompted tips from the public that ultimately led to James being identified as the suspect. Interestingly, a mugshot of James revealed him with shorter hair than the suspect in the video. Montgomery County Police Captain Sean Gagen commented at a press conference, At the time, we had no idea that that was a wig, suggesting it may have been part of a disguise. The motive for the killing remains unclear at this stage.
Connection to Trooper Shooting Incident
In a disturbing twist, James has also been charged with attempted murder for the shooting of a Maryland State Police trooper at a traffic stop just days after Fuller's death. Early on Tuesday morning, a trooper stopped a silver 2009 Infiniti G37 without license plates. During the stop, the driver fired two shots at the trooper in close proximity before escaping. Fortunately, the trooper did not sustain serious injuries.
Detectives have since received information indicating that the same firearm was used in both the shooting of Fuller and the attack on the trooper, linking the two incidents directly to James.
Victim's Legacy and Community Impact
Robert Fuller Jr. was a former lawyer and a millionaire known for his philanthropic efforts in his community. Reports indicate that he spent much of his life in Augusta, Maine, where he made significant contributions to local projects. Maine State Representative Bill Bridgeo highlighted that Fuller donated millions to initiatives such as a new YMCA, a hospital, and an expansion to the local high school.
Additionally, Fuller played a key role in supporting the Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope, a nonprofit now known as the Sister in Arms Center, which provides transitional housing for veteran women. Martha Everatt-Stpierre, who founded the organization, told media outlets, He was the first person with money that really took me seriously, underscoring Fuller's commitment to charitable causes.
Information regarding legal representation for James is not yet available. The Independent has reached out to Cogir Potomac Senior Living for comment on the matter, but no response has been provided at this time.
