Natalie McGill/The Gazette A group of Central High School students carry a "Stop The Violence" banner to the center of the Capitol Heights school's football field Friday during a balloon release memorial for junior Marckel Ross. The Capitol Heights 18-year-old was shot and killed Sept. 11 as he walked to school.

• 
• 
Natalie McGill/The Gazette The family and friends of Marckel Ross release light blue balloons — Marckel's favorite color — in the Central High School junior's memory. Ross, 18, was shot and killed Sept. 11 while walking to the Capitol Heights school.
• 
Natalie McGill/The Gazette Elizabeth Ross (second from right) stands with family and friends of her son, Marckel Ross, before a memorial balloon release Friday in his honor on the Central High School football field.
• 
Natalie McGill/The Gazette Elizabeth Ross (left), mother of Marckel Ross, talks with Prince George's County School Board Member Carolyn Boston (Dist. 6) after a memorial balloon release Friday for the Central High School junior who was shot and killed Sept. 11 as he walked to school.

Natalie McGill/The Gazette A group of Central High School students carry a "Stop The Violence" banner to the center of the Capitol Heights school's football field Friday during a balloon release memorial for junior Marckel Ross. The Capitol Heights 18-year-old was shot and killed Sept. 11 as he walked to school.

<< Prev

Next >>

More News

Police investigating Silver Spring-area stabbing

Toddler in grave condition from alleged child assault in Suitland

North Brentwood property taxes may rise

Swim club founder faces 15 years in sex abuse case (NBCWashington.com)

Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable works to develop area business community

When sophomore Anthony White, 15, struggled to make friends at Central High, he said Marckel Norman Ross offered encouraging words.

“I knew four people here,” said White of Upper Marlboro. “He told me it would get better as I go along. He encouraged me to make new friends.”

White learned in chemistry class Tuesday morning that the classmate he said had “a way with words” was gunned down on the way to school. Ross of Capitol Heights was 18 years old.

Prince George’s County police responded about 6:50 a.m. Tuesday to the 6100 block of Old Central Avenue in Capitol Heights where there were resident reports of a body on the sidewalk, later identified as Ross. No suspect has been developed as of Friday, according to police.

White joined hundreds of Central High School students Friday to release balloons in Ross’ memory in his favorite color — light blue. The balloons were meant to reach Ross in heaven, said Doreen Hogans, a Central school counselor.

Students held balloons as they walked a lap on the track around the school’s football field, while some held banners that said “Stop The Violence” and “Remembering Marckel Ross.”

Central High Principal Charoscar Coleman told students that Marckel “will forever be a Central High School Falcon.”

He said the mood in the school has been “somber“ and “reflective” and students have rallied around each other for support.

“Our children are our greatest resource and we expect that when we send them to school they’re going to come home safe and sound,” Coleman said.

Elizabeth Ross, Marckel Ross’ mother, said she was at a loss for words at the number of students who came out to honor her son Friday.

“If anyone out there knows anything, please talk,” Elizabeth Ross said. “I cannot rest. I cannot move forward.”

Capt. Raphael Grant of county police District 3 said he stresses that sources who have information can remain anonymous and detectives need something to give them a break in the case.

“We really need the public to come forward,” Grant said. “Right now we’re taking any kind of lead.”

A 10 a.m. Sept. 20 viewing is scheduled at Jericho City of Praise Church in Landover, 8501 Jericho City Drive, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service, Coleman said.

nmcgill@gazette.net