Aevon Bucknor Jr. Obituary, Death: Maryland man named as victim in deadly Easter shooting at National Harbor.
Aevon Bucknor Jr. Obituary, Death – On Easter Sunday, a Maryland man was fatally shot by police at the National Harbor following a violent chain of events that began earlier in the day. Authorities have identified the deceased as 44-year-old Aevon Bucknor Jr. of Oxon Hill. The incident involved two experienced officers from the Prince George’s County Police Department: Corporal Phillip Johnson, with 18 years of service, and Acting Lieutenant James Martinez, who has served the department for 13 years.
The situation escalated rapidly and began with a reported domestic incident that turned violent. According to Police Chief Malik Aziz, events unfolded around 8 a.m. on Easter morning at an apartment complex located in the 8300 block of Indian Head Highway. During the incident, Bucknor Jr. allegedly attacked two people—a man and a woman—with a knife. Police say the assault involved individuals who knew one another, indicating a domestic dispute rather than a random act of violence.
In the aftermath of the stabbings, authorities reported that Bucknor Jr. set the apartment on fire. Emergency crews responded quickly, and while no one was injured in the blaze itself, the fire caused significant disruption. According to a report from FOX 5 journalist Maureen Umeh, 14 people were displaced from their homes due to the fire. Emergency management and local support services are reportedly working with those affected to provide temporary housing and support.
As the morning progressed, law enforcement began searching for Bucknor Jr. in connection with both the stabbing and arson. The investigation led officers to the vicinity of National Harbor, a popular waterfront area known for its attractions, shopping, and dining options. It was there, near National Harbor Boulevard, that officers confronted the suspect.
Details about the confrontation have not been fully disclosed, but according to initial police reports, Bucknor Jr. was shot and killed by responding officers during the encounter. The officers involved in the shooting—Corporal Johnson and Acting Lieutenant Martinez—were performing their duties in the context of an ongoing investigation into violent crimes committed earlier that morning.
At this time, authorities have not publicly released detailed accounts of what occurred during the final confrontation, including whether Bucknor Jr. was armed or posed an immediate threat to the officers or public. The investigation into the shooting, as well as the initial stabbing and arson, is ongoing. The Prince George’s County Police Department has pledged to conduct a thorough internal review, and standard protocols are expected to be followed, including the possibility of an external investigation by state or independent oversight bodies.
The fatal encounter has left the local community shaken, particularly given the time and place of the incident—Easter Sunday, a day often marked by family gatherings and community celebrations. Residents near Indian Head Highway and National Harbor have expressed concern over the violence and expressed sympathy for both the victims of the initial stabbings and those affected by the fire.
Meanwhile, the two stabbing victims—whose names have not been released—were reportedly taken to a local hospital for treatment. Their current conditions have not been made public, but police initially described the injuries as serious.
This tragic series of events has raised questions about mental health, domestic violence, and public safety. While much remains unknown about what led Bucknor Jr. to commit such acts, law enforcement officials have emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the investigative process. They have also called for patience and understanding from the public as more information is gathered and verified.
The Prince George’s County Police Department is expected to release additional details in the coming days as their investigation progresses. Meanwhile, community leaders and support organizations are mobilizing to provide resources for those impacted by both the fire and the loss of life.
As more information emerges, the focus will likely shift toward understanding the underlying causes of the incident, the response of law enforcement, and the broader implications for public safety in the region. For now, the community mourns the loss of life and the disruption caused by a violent series of events that began early Easter morning and ended in tragedy later that day at one of Maryland’s most popular destinations.
