Summary of "Going West: True Crime" Episode 529 – Mariam Sylla

Podcast Information:

• Title: Going West: True Crime
• Host/Author: Dark West Productions (Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman)
• Episode: Mariam Sylla // 529
• Release Date: August 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 529 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing case of Mariam Toure Sila, a beloved teacher whose mysterious disappearance and brutal murder shocked her community in Greenbelt, Maryland. The episode, released on August 15, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the case, community response, investigation, and eventual trial of the perpetrator.

Background on Mariam Toure Sila

Mariam Toure Sila was a 59-year-old educator born on September 17, 1963, in the Ivory Coast. She moved to the United States in the early 2000s to teach at Prince George's County public schools in Maryland. Fluent in English and French, Mariam was highly regarded at the Dora Kennedy French Immersion School, where she taught second grade for over a decade. Described as kind, quiet, and deeply committed to her students, Mariam was affectionately known as "Madame Selah" by her pupils.

Daphne (08:13): "All teachers have a really important role in children's lives. But she was particularly warm and a mentor to many of the kids."

Despite her love for her life in the States, Mariam often felt homesick and hoped to retire back to the Ivory Coast, where her family still resided. Her personal life was marked by devotion to her faith and community, making her sudden disappearance even more perplexing to those who knew her.

Disappearance and Immediate Response

On the evening of July 29, 2023, Mariam embarked on her routine "prayer walk" in Schrom Hills Park, near her home in Greenbelt. She was meticulous about her schedule, never missing a day. However, that night, Mariam did not return.

Daphne (04:06): "She was last reported seen July 29 heading out for an evening walk in Greenbelt's Schrom Hills park, across the street from her home."

Concern quickly spread among friends, family, and the community. Mariam's sister, Fatih, flew in from the Ivory Coast to advocate for her sister's safe return, addressing vigils and urging anyone with information to come forward.

As days passed without any updates, Mariam's co-workers, students, and concerned parents mobilized to distribute flyers and canvass the area, desperate for answers. Mariam’s phone, social media, and bank accounts remained inactive since the night she vanished, indicating that something was terribly wrong.

Heath (12:33): "That's just the type of person that Miriam was. She really like you said she really enjoyed having structure in her life."

Discovery of Remains and Arrest of Suspect

Two weeks after Mariam's disappearance, a shocking development emerged. On August 1, 2023, authorities discovered dismembered human remains in a retention pond within Clinton, Maryland, approximately 20 miles south of Greenbelt. The remains included a female torso with missing limbs and no head, making immediate identification impossible.

Heath (14:34): "Her remains now in a press conference that was held on September 1, 2023."

Simultaneously, Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz announced the arrest of 33-year-old Harold Landon III from University Park, Maryland, on unrelated domestic violence charges. Landon was taken into custody for attempting to stab his ex-girlfriend and her friend, disturbing evidence of his violent tendencies.

Daphne (36:00): "It was incredibly important that we find Ms. Cela's murderer. And we found him."

Despite the timing seeming coincidental, it was later revealed that Landon was indeed the perpetrator behind Mariam's murder. A crucial 911 call from a local business owner reported seeing a man dump a large item in the retention pond—the very same park where Mariam's partially decomposed body was later found.

Investigation and Evidence

The investigation against Landon unraveled a series of disturbing actions:

1. Surveillance Footage and Witness Testimony:

   • A business owner captured Landon’s white Chevrolet pickup truck dumping an unidentified object in the retention pond on July 31, 2023.
   • Additional cell phone records placed both Mariam and Landon in Schrom Park on the night of her disappearance.

2. Physical Evidence:

   • Remnants of Mariam's clothing were found in Landon’s truck, including pieces of her dress and headscarf.
   • DNA evidence linked Mariam to Landon through a pair of his boots, collected from his home.

3. Confession Attempts:

   • Landon attempted to use his family's phones to obscure his location, indicating premeditation to evade capture.
   • Surveillance later revealed the use of his mother's phone to contact his brother, sowing further doubt until incriminating evidence emerged.

Heath (27:09): "I mean, I would find it strange, you know, if anybody was dumping a large item into any pond."

Despite the fragmented state of Mariam's remains, leading investigators concluded that Landon had brutally murdered and dismembered her, possibly over a span of days, intending to hide her body effectively.

The Trial

The trial commenced in June 2025, presided over by Prosecutor Aisha Braveboy. Despite Landon's attempts to push for bail, his history of violence and the severity of the charges led to his denial.

Daphne (39:51): "It's such bullshit. But on top of that, Harold and his family have stayed pretty silent and very much out of the spotlight."

During the trial, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including DNA matches and the gruesome state of Mariam's remains. Landon’s defense, led by Richard Rydelich, claimed that Mariam's death was a tragic accident or a result of a hit-and-run, a claim widely discredited by the presented evidence.

A pivotal moment came when the jury was shown graphic photos of the dismembered body, reinforcing the brutality of the crime and dismantling the defense's arguments.

Verdict and Community Impact

On June 17, 2025, after only 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Harold Landon III guilty of first-degree murder.

Fatih, Mariam's Sister (50:49): "Now he is severed from our community."

Prosecutor Braveboy emphasized the importance of justice for Mariam, highlighting the community's relentless search and the devastation wrought by the crime. The verdict brought a measure of closure to Mariam's family, friends, and the broader community, though the complete remains of Mariam are still missing, leaving lingering sorrow and unanswered questions.

Mariam's funeral was held at her local mosque, attended by numerous community members seeking to honor her memory and find solace in their collective grief.

Conclusion

The tragic case of Mariam Toure Sila underscores the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on their community. Through persistent efforts from her loved ones and the unwavering dedication of law enforcement, justice was ultimately served. However, the loss and trauma inflicted by such an act leave lasting scars on all who were touched by Mariam's life.

Heath (53:24): "Thank you guys so much for tuning into this episode. Remember, we have true crime Trivia on our TikTok done by Heath."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Daphne (04:06): "She was last reported seen July 29 heading out for an evening walk in Greenbelt's Schrom Hills park, across the street from her home."
• Daphne (08:13): "All teachers have a really important role in children's lives. But she was particularly warm and a mentor to many of the kids."
• Heath (14:34): "Her remains now in a press conference that was held on September 1, 2023."
• Daphne (36:00): "It was incredibly important that we find Ms. Cela's murderer. And we found him."
• Heath (27:09): "I mean, I would find it strange, you know, if anybody was dumping a large item into any pond."
• Fatih, Mariam's Sister (50:49): "Now he is severed from our community."
• Heath (53:24): "Thank you guys so much for tuning into this episode. Remember, we have true crime Trivia on our TikTok done by Heath."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Going West: True Crime delivers a compelling narrative of loss, community resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Through detailed recounting and thoughtful analysis, Daphne and Heath provide listeners with an in-depth understanding of the Mariam Toure Sila case, honoring her memory and highlighting the importance of vigilance and compassion in the face of tragedy.