A Maryland resident, Harold Francis Landon III, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges following the mysterious disappearance of a 59-year-old woman, Mariame Toure Sylla, in Greenbelt in late July. Sylla was last seen on Lake Park Drive in Greenbelt on the evening of July 29, having left her home for a stroll in Schrom Hills Park.
On August 1, the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) stumbled upon human remains on Old Alexandria Ferry Road in Clinton. DNA testing confirmed the remains to be Sylla’s, and an autopsy is underway to ascertain the cause of death. Detectives are also probing the details of Sylla’s murder.
The PGPD revealed on Friday that Landon, 33, was identified as the suspect through a series of investigative procedures. Landon was taken into custody on August 1, 2023, for a separate charge and has remained in custody since. There is no evidence to suggest a prior relationship between Landon and Sylla.
Landon was formally charged with first-degree murder on Friday, with the motive behind his alleged actions still being scrutinized. PGPD Chief Malik Aziz expressed his condolences, stating, “Ms. Sylla was a cherished teacher and an integral part of the Greenbelt Community. Her murder is a devastating loss. We hope that Landon’s arrest brings some solace to her family and those who held her dear.”
Sylla, an immigrant from the Ivory Coast, was a teacher at the Dora Kennedy French Immersion School. Following her disappearance, her students and loved ones spread fliers throughout the Greenbelt community, hoping for her safe return.
The investigation into Sylla’s murder is still active, and the police are encouraging anyone with information to contact detectives at 301-516-2512. Anonymous tips can also be made by contacting Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or by visiting pgcrimesolvers.com.