LAKE ARBOR, Md. — People from across the DMV are mourning the loss of a community activist and artist who was shot and killed early Saturday morning.
The shooting happened outside of a popular restaurant in Prince George’s County. The family of Cornelius McDonald said he was the man shot and killed Saturday morning.
Prince George’s County Police also confirmed that the 33-year-old McDonald of Upper Marlboro was killed in the shooting, which happened at around 12:45 a.m. early Saturday morning. As of Sunday, PGPD were searching for a suspect.
Friends and family tell me Cornelius McDonald was deeply adored. They’re still in shock after he died Saturday morning, but they want people to remember the impact he had on the community and region.
“When people think about Neal I hope that they know he was a true light in the room. He was so positive and he really did care about people,” longtime friend, Mariah Barnette said.
Mariah Barnette was fighting back tears when we asked her about her close friend Cornelius McDonald. The two had been friends for more than 15 years.
Known to many as just ‘Neal,’ McDonald is being remembered as a father and pillar in this community.
“He was very well known, loved across the DMV,” Executive Director of Peace for D.C. Marcus Ellis said.
Those who grew up and worked with him in Prince George’s County and D.C. described McDonald as a genuine person who was known for showing up for the people in a positive way.
“He’s like a brother to me, it feels a little numb to be talking about him in this way but he’s always been a brother, a protector, a really good friend to me,” Barnette said.
McDonald was shot and killed Saturday morning outside of Jasper’s, a well-known restaurant in Lake Arbor on Lottsford Court. No suspect information has been released and investigators have not given much information regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting. With so few answers, the focus now is on McDonald’s legacy.
His family released a statement saying:
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Cornelius ‘Neal’ McDonald, a cherished leader, advocate, and pillar of our community. Neal’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others was evident in everything he did. His mission to shed light on mental health within inner-city communities and his passionate efforts to combat gun violence were nothing short of inspiring.Neal was not just a voice of reason but a beacon of hope. He spent his days touring local high schools, sharing his powerful message with students and encouraging them to confront their mental health challenges with courage and authenticity. His ability to connect with young people and motivate them to strive for a better future was a gift that touched countless lives.Neal’s passion for creating a safer, more compassionate world will forever leave an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. His loss is a monumental one, not only to his family and friends but also to the many individuals and communities who benefited from his tireless efforts.As we grapple with this devastating loss, we ask for privacy to mourn and reflect. Neal’s legacy will continue to inspire us to pursue his vision—a world where every person can thrive, free of violence, and supported in their journey toward mental wellness.
Our hearts are heavy, but we are committed to honoring Neal’s memory by carrying forward the work he held so dear. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.”
Tributes to McDonald have been shared online.
“Neal has this electrifying personality so knowing that he went the career trajectory that he went feels natural. Like he’s a people person, he’s outgoing, he cares about kids, mental health, he’s always been an uplifter in our friend group,” Barnette said.
Marcus Ellis, the executive director of Peace DC said McDonald was made for violence prevention work.
“He had that magic, that ability to break through some of those hard lines when dealing with folks who have been through so much,” Ellis said. “So it’s a skill set that many don’t have, he was professional in his work.”
Ellis and McDonald worked together on a project called pathways — where they worked with those who had been involved in gun violence, something McDonald had a passion for.
“He was committed to the work. He was from the area and so he understood a lot of the trials and tribulations that the young people were going through and so it was an automatic connection,” Ellis said.
Ellis said McDonald even went out his way when he was off the clock.
“Something he did daily, not just through work in violence prevention but from everything. I saw {him} being a coach, from being a mentor, from being in music. A well-rounded individual who showed up in many spaces,” Ellis said. “In this particular profession there aren’t a lot of black young men doing that type of work that look like their client and so it’s extremely important and a huge loss.”
McDonald also had a nonprofit organization, Stay Solid, that he founded in Southeast D.C. that focuses on enhancing the community’s understanding of youth and young adults everyday mental health traumas. The organization offered streets and school unity programs in schools and recreation centers. The goal is to create a supportive and safe environment for youth, teens and young adults to come together and talk about their problems judgement free.
