BOWIE, MD — A tragic domestic dispute in the early hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025, left a Bowie man dead and his wife facing murder charges. The Prince George’s County Police Department reported that 53-year-old Damian Ward was fatally shot during an argument with his 50-year-old wife, Nicole Lanett Ward, inside their home in the unincorporated section of Bowie, Maryland.
Police were dispatched to the couple’s residence in the 13200 block of Old Chapel Road at approximately 1:45 a.m. following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Damian Ward suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the preliminary investigation, the shooting stemmed from a heated argument between the couple. Authorities have not released specific details about the cause of the dispute. Nicole Lanett Ward was arrested at the scene without incident and has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, along with related offenses. She is currently being held without bond at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.
The incident has shocked the quiet Bowie community, where the couple was known to be private. Neighbors expressed disbelief at the tragedy, with one stating, “It’s hard to imagine something like this happening here. They seemed like regular people.” Details about the couple’s relationship history, including any prior domestic violence incidents, have not been disclosed by police.
Damian Ward was remembered by those who knew him as a kind and diligent individual, leaving behind grieving family and friends. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities seeking additional information to clarify the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting. The case is expected to be presented to a grand jury in the coming weeks, and further charges may be considered as new evidence emerges.
This devastating event has sparked renewed conversations about domestic violence prevention in Prince George’s County. Community leaders are emphasizing the importance of early intervention and access to support services for those experiencing relationship conflicts, urging individuals to seek help before disputes escalate to irreversible outcomes.
The Prince George’s County Police Department encourages anyone with information about the case to contact the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or via the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
As the community mourns, Damian Ward’s death serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved domestic conflicts. His loved ones are left to navigate profound loss, while the legal process seeks to deliver justice in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy.
Rest in Peace, Damian Ward.