Two Washington, D.C. women are facing various counts, including armed robbery, after investigators say they worked together on a coordinated theft scheme that escalated when store employees were pepper-sprayed during an attempted shoplifting incident.
Amonie Lashawn Anderson, 23, of Washington, D.C., and Diamond Markevia Shepard, 31, of Washington, D.C., were both accused in connection with the April 24, 2026 incident at a beauty supply store in the St. Charles Towne Plaza neighborhood, according to court records.
Deputies responded about 6:16 p.m. to a reported larceny in progress. Investigators studied surveillance footage, which showed Shepard selecting hair extensions worth around $390 and attempting to leave the store without paying.
Authorities claim Anderson entered the business before to the attempted theft and was seen interacting with Shepard, with both suspects attempting to coordinate their activities. According to the charging paperwork, the two were seen chatting inside the business before the event occurred.
As Shepard sought to leave, store staff interfered. Shepard allegedly pushed past staff and used pepper spray, injuring two of them in the face before fleeing on foot.
Investigators eventually found Shepard in another adjacent beauty supply store on Crain Highway, where she was seen selecting comparable items. A black Kia vehicle belonged to Anderson was seen parked outside the business.
When cops attempted to arrest Shepard, she apparently struggled before being apprehended. A search of her possessions uncovered a huge can of pepper spray.
Anderson was also found inside the store wearing attire similar with prior CCTV footage and was taken into custody without incident. Investigators discovered that both suspects had been working together in numerous places as part of a theft conspiracy involving products valued between $100 and $1,500.
Both women were taken to the Charles County Detention Center.
Shepard is facing more serious accusations, including armed robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, theft plot, and resisting arrest. Anderson is accused with a theft plot.
According to court records, Shepard was first jailed without bond until being released on her own recognizance following a bail review hearing before Judge H. Richard Duden III on April 27, 2026.
Under Maryland law, armed robbery carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Each act of second-degree assault is punishable by up to ten years in prison, while resisting arrest carries a three-year penalty. The stealing plan charge can result in up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2026, in Charles District Court.
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