Man indicted for shotgun murder attempt

Friday, Feb. 5, 2010

A Bryantown man is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a victim in the legs with a shotgun during a Dec. 12 argument, according to court documents.

Witnesses at the scene of the incident said the dispute began when the victim arrived at Donald J. Butler's Sun Brook Place home around 5:45 p.m.

At some point, Butler, 52, got the shotgun from his home and fired two rounds into the air, demanding that the victim leave his property, according to the charging document.

The victim wouldn't go away and "became physically confrontational" with Butler, witnesses told detectives. Butler then pointed the shotgun toward the victim and fired once, striking the victim's legs, the documents state.

Two other people were standing near the victim at the time of the shooting, but weren't injured.

An ambulance took the victim to the Prince George's Hospital Center, where he was treated for injuries that weren't life-threatening.

Police reportedly found a shotgun in the kitchen area of Butler's home.

He was arrested and initially accused of assault and reckless endangerment. However, the charges were upgraded after a grand jury indicted Butler into Charles County Circuit Court. Butler is now charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment and possession of an unregistered shotgun.

His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 12.

Bethany Rodgers