A 24-year-old Howard University student was shot and killed early Tuesday morning in Mount Rainier.
The student was identified as Alonzo Guyton by the university.
“He always seemed to have a smile… It has affected everyone,” said senior Matia Johnson.
Police said Guyton was found shot on the sidewalk in front of an apartment building in the 4200 block of Kaywood Drive at about 12 a.m. Tuesday. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Mt. Rainer Police believe the 24-year-old sophomore was the victim of a botched robbery just after midnight Tuesday. Police were patrolling the apartment complex Wedneday night.
“He was the kind of person that if we went out to eat… (he would) pay for everyone every time,” said Guyton’s friend Jordan Taylor.
Guyton played in the U.S Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. He was athletic, a member of Howard’s football and baseball teams. Close friend and baseball teammate Taylor was with him in church this past Sunday.
“Last time I saw he was playing the gospel choir… Never saw him again,” Taylor said.
The former marine is described as a gentle and caring soul. His friends are still not sure why he was in this complex, which houses hundreds of Howard students.
“I was actually one of the ones who encouraged him to go to Howard,” said Darryl Ward, a friend of Guyton.
“We deeply regret the untimely death of this promising young man who was very active at Howard and well loved by his peers, faculty and the staff who worked closely with him,” Howard University stated. “We extend our condolences and prayers to his family, friends and those who knew him.”
Referenced Article from ABC.com
