Maker Of Molotov Cocktail That Damaged Howard County Apartment Faces Prison

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — An Ocean City man has been convicted in connection to the fire-bombing of a Columbia apartment in 2022 that caused significant damage to the building and displaced all of the residents.

Shannon Williams, 44, conspired with two others to make and toss a Molotov cocktail through the window of an occupied apartment in the 10000 block of Hickory Ridge Road at 3 a.m. April 5, 2022. The Molotov cocktail caused significant damage to the apartment and the building. Howard County Fire and Rescue responded to the fire and put the fire out, police reported.

All 20 residents of the apartment building were evacuated without injuries but they were displaced. Williams has been convicted of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree arson, possession of an incendiary material to create a destructive device, conspiracy and other related offenses. He faces a maximum of two life sentences plus 90 years. A sentencing date has not yet been set.