Maryland man convicted of killing and dismembering 'beloved' teacher

CLINTON, Md. (TCN) -- A man was recently convicted of killing and dismembering a 59-year-old teacher nearly two years ago.

The Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office announced June 17 that a jury found Harold Landon guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Mariame Sylla. He is set to be sentenced on Oct. 17.

According to an initial release from the Prince George’s County Police Department, on Aug. 1, 2023, officers responded to Old Alexander Ferry Road to a report of human remains. Investigators later identified the victim as Sylla, who was reported missing in July 2023. Upon further investigation, police named Landon the primary suspect in her death.

According to WRC-TV, during the trial, prosecutors showed the jury a photo of Sylla’s torso, which had been recovered from a retention pond. Prosecutors also played a call Landon allegedly made from jail in which he said, "I literally let the savage inside of me out."

Investigators reportedly found Sylla’s DNA on Landon’s boots, as well as her clothes in the defendant’s truck. According to WRC, police determined Landon and Sylla were at the park at the same time, but they believe they were strangers.

Sylla reportedly went to the park to take a walk, but she failed to show up for evening prayers.

In a statement, Police Chief Malik Aziz said, "Ms. Sylla was a beloved teacher and member of the Greenbelt community," and he called her death "tragic."

Sylla reportedly worked as a second grade teacher at Dora Kennedy French Immersion School.

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