Bowie, Md. – A tragic domestic‑violence incident claimed the life of 32‑year‑old mother Shawanda Alston, who was shot by her boyfriend during an argument over school supplies. Police say Alston was found on her bed holding her two‑month‑old infant when she was struck by a gunshot to the head.
Details of the shooting
On Thursday, Aug. 20, officers responded to a call at a home in the 8500 block of Myrtle Avenue. Alston was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but died several days later. Her boyfriend, 41‑year‑old Kimball Hinton, the father of the couple’s six children, was arrested on the front lawn of the residence.
According to charging documents, the couple was arguing about their inability to provide school supplies for their children. Hinton allegedly pulled a firearm, fired two shots at Alston, and then called 911, stating, “I shot her… the gun is in the mailbox.” A gun wrapped in a bloody towel was recovered from the mailbox.
Impact on the family
The Alston‑Hinton household includes six children ranging from two months to 16 years old. One child attempted to intervene during the shooting, and another later called police, reporting, “my mother was shot by my father.” The loss leaves the children without their mother and raises concerns about their immediate safety and long‑term welfare.
Hinton was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions. He later told police he had “every opportunity to leave the situation” but chose not to. He was initially charged with attempted murder, assault and reckless endangerment; prosecutors indicated the charges will likely be upgraded following Alston’s death. Hinton is being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court next month.
Community response
Local officials and community leaders expressed sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the need for resources to protect families facing domestic‑violence situations. The Bowie Police Department urged anyone experiencing similar threats to contact law‑enforcement immediately.
Domestic‑violence advocates highlighted the importance of early intervention and the availability of counseling and shelter services for victims and their children. The incident underscores the broader challenge of ensuring safe environments for families in the Bowie area.
Legal and safety considerations
The case also raises questions about enforcement of firearm‑prohibition orders. Hinton’s possession of a gun despite a legal ban illustrates potential gaps in monitoring and compliance that authorities aim to address.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and will work with child‑protective services to determine appropriate care for the six children left without their mother.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
