Malic Quinn Freeland was rushed to an area shock trauma center late last month, where he later died from his injuries, authorities announced following the crash-turned-homicide investigation.
Deputies from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office were called at around 9 p.m. on Feb. 26 to investigate a crash when a vehicle went through a fence and into a shed near Valley Drive and Fox Ridge Road in Lexington Park, officials say.
First responders provided aid to Freeland for injuries sustained in the crash, at which point he was found shot and he was taken to the hospital for treatment and evaluation before succumbing to the injuries on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Details about the shooting remain elusive, and no suspect has been identified by investigators. Freeland's body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Following his death, friends and loved ones are rallying the community's support, raising more than $1,500 through a fundraising campaign started in the days after his passing.
"Malic was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend," Godmother Lachelle Brooks wrote. "He touched the lives of those around him with his infectious smile and humorous spirit.
"We are devastated by this tragic loss."
Those interested in donating to the GoFundMe supporting Freeland's family can do so here.
"Caring, loving, and had a big heart," one well-wisher added about Freeland. "(He) was always there when you needed him to be, no matter what."
Funeral services for Freeland have been scheduled for Friday, March 8, with visitation between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Bethel Way of the Cross Church on Cherry Hill Road in Huntingtown, followed by a service.
His final resting place will be at the Sewell Memorial Gardens on Tobacco Ridge Road in Prince Frederick.
Anyone with information about the crash or shooting has been asked to contact DFC Benjamin Raley at the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office by calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 8076 or emailing Benjamin.Raley@stmaryscountymd.gov.
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