Family and friends are mourning the loss of a high school senior who was fatally shot in the parking lot behind a Waldorf, Maryland, movie theater Wednesday night.
Charles County police say Reuel Hicks, 18, of Waldorf was walking behind AMC St. Charles Town Center 9 with friends when he stopped and had a conversation with 19-year-old Deavan Quindel Jefferson. Jefferson allegedly took out a gun and shot Hicks before fleeing.
Investigators believe the suspect and victim may have been making a drug transaction.
Hicks died from his injuries early Thursday morning.
Hicks, a senior at Westlake High School in Waldorf, was set to graduate in the spring. Dana Fenwick, a school administrator, described Hicks as popular and hardworking.
"He was currently working two jobs while in school as a senior. I'd see him at Taco Bell, and he would just joke with us and let us know that he was doing OK," Fenwick said.
Fenwick said Hicks had just secured an apprenticeship and was excited about his future.
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Grief counselors were on hand at Westlake High School Thursday to help students and staff members.
Jefferson has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held at the Charles County Detention Center.
