A Maryland man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Martin Nolan.
SILVER SPRING, Md. — A Maryland resident received a 45-year prison sentence for the shooting death of 21-year-old Martin Nolan.
On January 14, 2021, 25-year-old Keith “Wes” Palacios shot Nolan while he was sitting in a car with a friend in the parking lot of Highland Elementary School.
Martin Nolan’s father, Kevin Nolan, described his son as someone deeply loved by those around him.
“He was a joy from the moment he was born. His smile could light up a room,” Kevin Nolan shared with WUSA9.
According to State Prosecutor John McCarthy, Palacios had been searching for a man named “Scrappy,” who was involved in a love triangle with his then-girlfriend. When Palacios approached Nolan and his friend, he asked if they knew Scrappy’s whereabouts.
“He was looking for someone named Scrappy. They refused to provide information. They knew who he was, but Scrappy wasn’t there,” McCarthy explained.
Palacios then shot Martin Nolan in the back of the head. His friend, who was also in the car that night, was fired at as well but survived.
On Friday, a Montgomery County Circuit Court judge sentenced Palacios after he was convicted of second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and two counts of using a handgun in the commission of a felony.
Palacios received a 45-year sentence for killing Martin Nolan and attempting to shoot his friend, who survived the attack.
Additionally, Palacios’ brother was convicted of obstruction of justice and sentenced to three years in prison.
Years after the tragedy, friends and family continue to leave flowers at the site where Martin Nolan was killed. His father told WUSA9 that he is keeping his son’s memory alive by encouraging forgiveness rather than hatred.
“I refuse to spend my life consumed by hate. I would urge others who carry anger or a desire for revenge in their hearts to let it go—that’s what led to this tragedy in the first place. Now, at least, there’s a chance for closure,” Nolan said.
