Man arrested for murder in 2023 disappearance of Somerset Co. man

SOMERSET CO., Md. – A Somerset County man has been indicted on murder charges in the disappearance of Dequan Fields in January 2023.

Last week, a Grand Jury indicted 42-year-old William Pruitt on first and second degree murder, robbery, armed robbery, firearm use in a violent crime, armed carjacking, carjacking, first degree assault, and firearm possession in a crime of violence.

Field was reported missing to the Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barrack on January 12, 2023, after family members were unable to contact him. A short time after his disappearance, a 2004 gold Dodge Durango belonging to Fields was found at the Deal Island Wildlife Nature Preserve in Somerset County, and detectives found blood inside the vehicle.

Police say they believe Fields and Pruitt knew each other.

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was driven on Deal Island Road and the surrounding areas between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on January 10, 2023. Anyone in the area who may have surveillance footage showing Fields or his vehicle during that timeframe is asked to contact Senior Trooper Allen at 443-298-9447 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

Pruitt was arrested on Monday and is currently being held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center.