Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by police in Columbia, Maryland, on Monday night as 23-year-old Micah Booker. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office Independent Investigations Division (IID) confirmed the identity as part of its probe into the deadly encounter. The shooting occurred after police responded to a 911 call involving a stabbing incident between two brothers.
The incident began on Wilbur Court, where a 26-year-old man called 911 to report he had been stabbed multiple times by his brother. Just two minutes later, Booker also called 911 to report the same stabbing. Officers responded quickly and located Booker standing in the middle of Oakland Mills Road. According to police, he was armed with a large, double-edged spear and appeared agitated.
As Officer Michael McKee approached, witnesses say Booker advanced toward him with the weapon in hand. Despite repeated verbal commands to drop the spear, Booker reportedly continued moving toward the officer. Officer McKee, a two-year member of the Howard County Police Department, backed away several times before ultimately firing his weapon. Booker was pronounced dead at the scene.
The stabbing victim, identified as Booker’s brother, was transported to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. As of Tuesday, he remains in critical condition. Authorities have not released further details about what may have led to the violent altercation inside the home, and the motive remains under investigation.
Howard County Police spokesperson Sherry Llewellyn addressed the difficulty of handling domestic violence incidents, especially those involving weapons. “The goal is always to preserve life and ensure safety for everyone involved,” she said. “Unfortunately, in some cases, the outcome is tragic.” The Independent Investigations Division is now leading the case, as required by state law for all officer-involved shootings that result in death.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant cellphone or security footage to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling 410-576-7070 or emailing IID@oag.state.md.us. As the investigation continues, the community of Columbia remains shaken, and many are awaiting further details about what led to the deadly confrontation between brothers and the responding officer’s split-second decision.
