MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD – A Maryland man has been found guilty of first-degree murder and several other charges stemming from a deadly shooting aboard a Metro Transit bus in February 2023.
According to the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, 23-year-old Trevon Hatcherson-Ross was convicted in connection with the shooting that killed 19-year-old Justice Elliot and injured another individual on a bus in Silver Spring.
On February 17, 2023, Hatcherson-Ross boarded the Metrobus wearing a balaclava mask. Authorities say he approached Elliot and opened fire. Elliot reportedly returned fire, but died at the scene. Hatcherson-Ross then turned his weapon on a second individual, attempting to shoot, though the gun initially malfunctioned. He successfully fired another round after racking the weapon.
After the attack, Hatcherson-Ross exited the bus. The second victim survived the shooting.
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy condemned the violence, saying, “This level of brazen and senseless violence on public transportation cannot be tolerated. We are thankful that justice has prevailed.”
Hatcherson-Ross was convicted of:
First-degree murder
Attempted first-degree murder
Two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime
Reckless endangerment
He faces two possible life sentences plus an additional 45 years. Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
