In the quiet of a late Wednesday night, the Robinwood community in Annapolis was shattered by the sound of gunfire, a sound that would mark the tragic end of 37-year-old Gregory Antonio Wells’ life. Around 11:15 p.m., in the 1300 block of Tyler Avenue, Wells was found by police, his body riddled with gunshot wounds. Despite the desperate efforts of officers and medics from the Annapolis Fire Department to save him, Wells succumbed to his injuries at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. The loss of this man, known to some in the community as a familiar face, has left residents grappling with grief and a renewed fear of violence in their neighborhood.
The Annapolis Police Department, swift in their response, identified Wells as the victim of what has become the city’s third homicide of 2025. Stationary police units, already patrolling the area, were alerted by the unmistakable sound of gunshots. Their immediate action led them to Wells, but the scene offered little hope. The investigation that followed moved quickly, with detectives piecing together evidence, including video footage, that pointed to a suspect: 33-year-old William Delonte Hairston. By Thursday, authorities had issued an arrest warrant for Hairston, whose last known address was in the same Tyler Avenue block where the shooting occurred. Yet, when police arrived at his residence to serve the warrant, Hairston was nowhere to be found, leaving investigators uncertain whether he had fled the area or was hiding closer to home.
The Robinwood neighborhood, a tight-knit community in Annapolis, is no stranger to the specter of violence. Earlier this year, a 16-year-old was shot in the same vicinity, surviving but underscoring the persistent challenges the area faces. Residents, speaking anonymously to local reporters, expressed a mix of sorrow and frustration, describing Wells as someone who was known to many, though not always in a positive light. “It’s heartbreaking, but it’s not shocking,” one neighbor said, reflecting on the recurring gun violence that has punctuated life in Robinwood. The police, aware of the community’s struggles, have maintained a visible presence in the area, with patrols and outreach efforts aimed at curbing such tragedies. Yet, the loss of Wells has reignited calls for broader solutions to address the root causes of violence in Annapolis.
Authorities have been methodical in their pursuit of Hairston, whose prior entanglements with the law include a criminal case in Anne Arundel County that was placed on an inactive docket last year. Detectives have leveraged surveillance footage and other evidence to build their case, but Hairston’s absence has complicated efforts to bring closure to Wells’ family and the community. Annapolis Police spokesperson Kortlan Jackson emphasized the department’s commitment to justice, urging anyone with information to come forward. “We’re asking the public to help us locate Hairston,” Jackson said, providing contact numbers for tips, including an anonymous line for those wary of involvement.
As the investigation continues, the city mourns Gregory Antonio Wells, a man whose life was cut short in a moment of violence. For Robinwood, the tragedy is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for change. Police are encouraging anyone with information to contact detectives at 410-222-4731 or the anonymous tip line at 410-222-4700, hoping that community cooperation will lead to Hairston’s apprehension and a step toward healing for Annapolis.