Police Identify Victim in Fatal Suitland Stabbing

A Bladensburg man has been charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of a man found in Suitland, authorities say.

Prince George’s County Police say they have arrested Nelson Howard Ford, 36, of the 5600 block of Emerson Street in Bladensburg in Monday’s homicide. Detectives do not believe this was a random act.

The victim is Willard Darnell Smith, 26, of Brooks Drive in District Heights. Detectives do not believe this was a random act.

Police were called about 2 a.m. Monday to the 4700 block of Huron Avenue for a stabbing. Smith was found outside suffering from a stab wound. He died a short time later at a hospital.

Officers spotted Ford -- who had been identified as a suspect -- walking nearby and took him into custody. Police have not disclosed what let to Ford as a suspect.

Police say it appears an argument between the suspect and victim escalated into the fatal stabbing. Ford is facing a charge of first-degree murder.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimes Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

»Photo of Nelson Howard Ford, courtesy of Prince George’s County Police