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Waldorf resident John Phipps has been identified by investigators as the person who was shot and killed inside a vehicle during a purported car meet over the weekend, police say.
At around 1:45 a.m. on May 19, officers were called to a shopping center parking lot in the 6400 block of Marlboro Pike, in District Heights, where they found Phipps inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died on Sunday morning. A second man was also shot, though his injuries were less severe and considered non-life-threatening.
Now, investigators are working to identify a suspect and possible motive, though they issued an alert to the community following the fatal shooting.
“These car meets are a true concern to law enforcement both in our region and across the country," Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz stated. "When the department is made aware of specific, credible intelligence, the agency plans accordingly and allocates resources to either prevent or disperse the gathering.
"In addition, follow-up investigations are conducted and those who break any laws are charged accordingly," Aziz added. "As is evident in this case, these gatherings can turn violent. We don’t want to see anyone injured or killed."
In the days after his death, support has poured in for friends and family of Phipps, who was a co-founder of the Hallow Squad Car Club.
"John's passion for cars was ingrained in his very being since birth. To him, cars weren't just vehicles; they were vessels that fostered a sense of community and belonging for all who shared his passion," Kimberly Harris said.
"John was more than just an enthusiast; he was a beacon of warmth and kindness, a gentle giant who touched the lives of everyone he encountered."
Since news of his death became public, more than $2,000 has been raised in approximately 24 hours in a fundraiser set up to help offset the cost of his funeral, which is scheduled for June 16.
"His infectious spirit and love for life knew no bounds, and his favorite color, pink, was a testament to his vibrant personality," Harris continued. "Sadly, John's journey was cut short, leaving behind a void that can never be filled."
The fatal shooting remains under investigation.
Those interested in assisting Phipp's family can do so here.
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