Tenisha Butler, an Urbana, Maryland community member, lost her life in a devastating accident on Saturday, January 6. She was shot and killed outside the Giant Food restaurant at 3530 Sugarloaf Parkway.
The suspect has been identified as the victim's estranged husband, Frederick Owusu Saki, a 33-year-old resident of Walkersville, Maryland. Saiki was arrested later that evening.
According to News4, deputies rushed to the scene shortly after 11 p.m., after reports of the shooting. The Sheriff's Office later confirmed that Tenesha Butler was an employee at Giant Food, where she was shot. This area is a well-known shopping center full of restaurants and multiple businesses.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office explained the situation in a social media post, saying:
“At approximately 11:11 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Urbana Giant Motel located at 3530 Sugarloaf Parkway for a shooting.”
Tenesha Butler and her estranged husband are going through a divorce
According to NBC Washington, Tenesha Butler and Frederick Owusu-Saki have been going through a difficult divorce. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office confirmed to the outlet that there were prior instances of protective orders and that Psaki had been reported for stalking the victim.
“The preliminary investigation concluded that Psaki was the victim's estranged husband and that they were currently going through a divorce. Additionally, there is a history of protective orders and stalking by Psaki.”
The investigation is still ongoing, but there is a possibility that security cameras at the shopping center may have recorded what happened. Sheriff's Office spokesman Todd Wavell said:
He added: “A lot of witnesses told us the suspect fled in a car. We had neighbors coming out all night saying, ‘I have a Ring camera.’ If you need it you can use it.””
Wavell explained that within three hours, authorities were able to track down Frederick Owusu Saki. It was found in Columbia, Maryland. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office teamed up with the Howard County Sheriff's Department to arrest him.
Deputies found a handgun on the front seat and an assault rifle on the back seat of Psaki's car.
Giant Food has issued a statement in regards to Tenisha Butler's case
In a statement, Giant Food expressed its deep sadness, confirming the incident that occurred after the store's operating hours. The statement read,
“Shortly after 11 p.m., after the store closed, a shooting occurred that resulted in the death of a colleague who appeared to have been the target. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague and his family at this very difficult time.”
The grocery store has offered its full cooperation with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
“We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and the safety and well-being of our customers and partners remains our top priority.”
Frederick Owusu Saki was booked into the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.
