Reward In Pregnant Woman's Shooting Death Increased Up To $30K

COLUMBIA, MD — Howard County police are increasing the reward to up to $30,000 in the July 31, 2020, shooting of a pregnant woman in Columbia that resulted in her death and the death of her baby who had to be delivered early. Detectives are asking the public to help identify a suspect vehicle captured on surveillance video at the time of the shooting.

Rabiah Ahmad, 30, was 28 weeks pregnant when she was shot while inside a residence in the 6600 block of Dovecote Drive. She later died at the hospital. Doctors delivered her baby girl, Ahja, who remained in critical condition until she died Aug. 5. Police discovered that multiple bullets had been fired into the house from outside. Only Ahmad was struck by a bullet, the police department noted.

While investigating the shooting, detectives believe the unknown suspect(s) arrived and left the scene in an older model white sedan. The video shows the vehicle traveling along the 8000 block of Harriet Tubman Lane shortly after the shooting.

Detectives do not believe that Ahmad was targeted and are still working to determine the motive in the shooting. Investigators have been following up on tips and possible leads in the case, but so far none have led to a suspect. They have increased the reward and are ask that anyone with information contact police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov. Callers can remain anonymous.