WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The man shot and killed in the crowded parking lot of Potomac Mills mall on the evening of February 24 has been identified by police as 34‑year‑old Baffour Asare Gundona from Alexandria, Virginia. While officials piece together the events that led to his death, the suspect who fired the fatal shot has not been found.
According to authorities, Gundona was involved in a dispute with another man inside a vehicle parked near the mall soon after 7 p.m. The argument escalated quickly, ending in gunfire that struck Gundona in the upper body. Though he exited the vehicle under his own power, he collapsed moments later and was treated by first responders before being taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Law enforcement sources say the suspected shooter didn’t stick around. Instead, the person fled the scene in a different vehicle before police could arrive. Officers on site said the shooting appears to be a targeted confrontation rather than a random act of violence, though what provoked the altercation remains unclear.
Despite canvassing the busy Potomac Mills area and interviewing possible witnesses, detectives haven’t yet located the suspect. The investigation is ongoing, with police following every viable lead and urging locals who might have seen something to reach out to help identify the person responsible.
The loss of Gundona has left a ripple of sorrow among those who knew him. Described by friends as a dedicated family man and someone who cared about his community, his death is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. People who frequented the mall expressed shock that a routine shopping night ended in tragedy.
Officials have reiterated to the public that there’s no known ongoing danger to shoppers or residents, but they continue to ask for calm while the case moves forward. In the days ahead, detectives hope new information will surface and shed light on what exactly happened inside that parked car.
Authorities are appealing for any information that could assist their investigation. Tips from drivers, shoppers, or security footage could be crucial in locating the suspect and bringing some resolution to the case.
