Husband Fatally Shot by Wife During Argument Inside Bowie Home — Victim Identified as Washington, D.C. Man

BOWIE, MD — July 22, 2025 — A domestic dispute in the early hours of Saturday morning ended in tragedy when a Washington, D.C. man was fatally shot inside a Prince George’s County residence. The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit has charged the victim’s wife in connection with the killing.

The victim has been identified as 53-year-old Damian Ward of Washington, D.C., who was visiting or residing at the home located in the 13200 block of Old Chapel Road, in the unincorporated area of Bowie, Maryland. Police say his wife, 50-year-old Nicole Lanett Ward, has been arrested and charged with his murder.

According to officials, officers were dispatched to the residence at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, after receiving a call reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Damian Ward suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation indicates that an argument between the couple escalated, resulting in Nicole Ward allegedly retrieving a firearm and shooting her husband inside the home. Police did not specify what the argument was about, but detectives quickly ruled out any possibility of a random or external threat.

Nicole Ward was taken into custody at the scene without further incident. She has since been charged with first- and second-degree murder, as well as related firearms offenses. She is currently being held at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections on a no-bond status as she awaits her first court appearance.

The killing has left both the Washington, D.C. and Bowie communities stunned, as family, friends, and neighbors struggle to comprehend how a verbal dispute turned deadly so quickly.

“Damian was a kind man, respectful and hardworking. He didn’t deserve this,” said a family friend who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He had so much life left to live. Our hearts are broken.”

Local officials and domestic violence prevention advocates are once again urging individuals experiencing conflict or abuse within relationships to seek help before situations escalate into tragedy.

“This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly domestic disputes can turn fatal,” said a Prince George’s County Police spokesperson. “If you or someone you know is in danger, there are resources available — speak up before it’s too late.”

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives with the Homicide Unit are asking anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. Tips can be directed to the department at 301-516-2512.

An autopsy will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the official cause of death.

While authorities continue their investigation, loved ones of Damian Ward are planning a private memorial to honor his life and legacy. His tragic death has cast a long shadow over those who knew him — a stark reminder that even familiar homes can become places of unthinkable heartbreak.