Topline: The argument began with a second phone and ended with police at the door—what happened in between stunned a quiet Maryland neighborhood.
Published: July 25, 2025 8:00 am ET
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Nicole Lanett Ward (via Prince George’s County PD)
BOWIE, MD — A Maryland woman is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing her husband during a domestic dispute in their Bowie home last weekend.
Police say the fatal shooting happened just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, at the couple’s residence in the 13200 block of Old Chapel Road.
Officers responded to the scene and found 53-year-old Damian Ward suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His wife, 50-year-old Nicole Lanett Ward, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder, among other related offenses. She is currently being held without bond, the Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed in a press release.
Charging documents obtained by WTTG reveal new details about the alleged motive. Nicole Ward reportedly told detectives she discovered photos and messages on a second cell phone belonging to her husband, which she said showed he was “having an extramarital affair with another woman.”
The confrontation escalated after she demanded that he pack his things and leave. Police say the verbal dispute quickly turned violent when she allegedly retrieved a .357 S&B Magnum revolver and shot him in the head in the couple’s bedroom.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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‘Pack Your Bags’: What This Woman Found on Husband’s Second Phone Before Pulling the Trigger
The argument began with a second phone and ended with police at the door—what happened in between stunned a quiet Maryland neighborhood.
By Jacob Charles
Published: July 25, 2025 8:00 am ET
Nicole Lanett Ward (via Prince George’s County PD)
BOWIE, MD — A Maryland woman is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing her husband during a domestic dispute in their Bowie home last weekend.
Police say the fatal shooting happened just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, at the couple’s residence in the 13200 block of Old Chapel Road.
Officers responded to the scene and found 53-year-old Damian Ward suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His wife, 50-year-old Nicole Lanett Ward, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder, among other related offenses. She is currently being held without bond, the Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed in a press release.
Charging documents obtained by WTTG reveal new details about the alleged motive. Nicole Ward reportedly told detectives she discovered photos and messages on a second cell phone belonging to her husband, which she said showed he was “having an extramarital affair with another woman.”
The confrontation escalated after she demanded that he pack his things and leave. Police say the verbal dispute quickly turned violent when she allegedly retrieved a .357 S&B Magnum revolver and shot him in the head in the couple’s bedroom.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
‘Pack Your Bags’: What This Woman Found on Husband’s Second Phone Before Pulling the Trigger
The argument began with a second phone and ended with police at the door—what happened in between stunned a quiet Maryland neighborhood.
By Jacob Charles
Published: July 25, 2025 8:00 am ET
Nicole Lanett Ward (via Prince George’s County PD)
BOWIE, MD — A Maryland woman is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing her husband during a domestic dispute in their Bowie home last weekend.
Police say the fatal shooting happened just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, at the couple’s residence in the 13200 block of Old Chapel Road.
Officers responded to the scene and found 53-year-old Damian Ward suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His wife, 50-year-old Nicole Lanett Ward, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder, among other related offenses. She is currently being held without bond, the Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed in a press release.
Charging documents obtained by WTTG reveal new details about the alleged motive. Nicole Ward reportedly told detectives she discovered photos and messages on a second cell phone belonging to her husband, which she said showed he was “having an extramarital affair with another woman.”
The confrontation escalated after she demanded that he pack his things and leave. Police say the verbal dispute quickly turned violent when she allegedly retrieved a .357 S&B Magnum revolver and shot him in the head in the couple’s bedroom.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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