SUITLAND, Md. — A man has been charged in what police are calling a gruesome domestic-related homicide, after the body of a missing woman was discovered wrapped in plastic and partially encased in concrete inside a Prince George’s County apartment.
The victim, 44-year-old Sherron Turner, was found during a welfare check on April 24, days after friends and family had grown concerned for her safety. Authorities later confirmed that Turner had died from blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide following an autopsy conducted on Saturday.
The suspect, 38-year-old Michael McClanahan, of Suitland, Maryland, is now facing multiple charges, including murder and tampering with evidence.
Shocking Crime Scene at Ewing Avenue Apartment
Turner’s body was discovered by Prince George’s County Police officers conducting a welfare check at an apartment on the 2300 block of Ewing Avenue in Suitland. According to a statement released by the department on April 28, officers were met with a horrifying scene inside the residence.
Turner’s remains had been wrapped in plastic and were found partially buried in concrete, indicating an attempt to conceal the body and obstruct the investigation.
Authorities have described the circumstances as disturbing and deliberate, pointing to the possibility that the crime was premeditated or that efforts were made to cover it up after the fact.
Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death as Blunt Force Trauma
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on Turner’s body and confirmed the cause of death was blunt force trauma, officially classifying the incident as a homicide.
While police have not disclosed the exact timeline of events leading up to her death, it is believed that Turner may have been deceased for several days prior to being found.
Suspect Arrested in Washington, D.C.
McClanahan was not immediately arrested following the discovery of Turner’s body. However, law enforcement eventually located and detained him in Washington, D.C., on an unrelated matter.
He is currently being held in D.C. custody and is awaiting extradition to Prince George’s County, where he will formally face charges in connection to Turner’s death.
In addition to the murder charge, McClanahan has been charged with attempting to dispose of human remains, based on the condition in which Turner’s body was found.
A Tragic Example of Domestic Violence
Investigators have described the killing as domestic in nature, confirming that McClanahan and Turner were in a romantic relationship at the time of her death.
The case adds to a troubling pattern of intimate partner violence in Prince George’s County, where domestic-related homicides remain a serious concern. In 2024 alone, a significant number of violent deaths in the county have been linked to domestic violence, with Black women disproportionately affected.
Community Urged to Take Action Against Domestic Abuse
Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz has long warned about the dangers of intimate partner violence and continues to emphasize the need for community awareness, prevention, and early intervention.
“This is yet another painful reminder of what can happen when violence occurs behind closed doors,” one department spokesperson stated. “We urge anyone experiencing abuse to seek help—before it’s too late.”
Local advocacy groups say more resources and outreach are needed to address warning signs, including controlling behavior, threats, and isolation—common precursors to more severe violence.
Help Is Available 24/7
In the wake of Turner’s tragic death, authorities are once again encouraging those in abusive relationships to reach out for support, whether for themselves or someone they know.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Prince George’s County, help is available:
- PG County 24-Hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 301-731-1203
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
- Website: www.thehotline.org
All calls and texts are confidential and available in multiple languages. Advocates can help with safety planning, shelter placement, and legal guidance.
What’s Next in the Case
McClanahan’s extradition to Maryland is pending, and he is expected to be formally arraigned in Prince George’s County Circuit Court following his return. The case remains under active investigation, and police have not ruled out additional charges.
Authorities say no further information about the victim will be released out of respect for her family and to protect their privacy.
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