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MAXIMUM PENALTY IMPOSED FOR BRUTAL 2023 MA-PA TRAIL MURDER

Date: August 11, 2025
RE: State v. Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez

On Monday, August 11, 2025, Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez was sentenced following an April 2025 jury trial for the brutal 2023 rape and murder of Rachel Hannah Morin on the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland. The trial resulted in a swift verdict with the jury finding Martinez-Hernandez guilty on all counts, which included First Degree Murder, First Degree Rape, Third Degree Sexual Offense, and Kidnapping after less than one hour of deliberation.

Evidence presented at trial proved that on August 5, 2023, Martinez-Hernandez pulled Rachel Morin from the Ma & Pa Trail, brutally raping and murdering her, ultimately concealing her body in the drainage culverts where she was found the following day. After a lengthy investigation involving both local and federal law enforcement partners, Martinez-Hernandez was apprehended and charged.

Today, Martinez-Hernandez appeared before the Honorable Judge Yolanda L. Curtin for sentencing. State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey and Deputy State’s Attorney David W. Ryden, who prosecuted the case, asked the court to impose a sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole, plus a consecutive and additional Life sentence, plus forty additional years to serve, which is the maximum penalty allowable by law. To support their sentencing recommendations, the State provided a lengthy presentation to the court demonstrating who Rachel was in life and not solely as the victim of a horrific crime. The presentation also showed the immense loss that her family has suffered at the hands of this Defendant through victim impact statements provided by her mother, children and siblings. State’s Attorney Healey also noted the impact that this tragedy had on the Harford County community, as well as the need to protect both our community and others from the Defendant, who has been proven to be an immense and continuing threat to public safety. State’s Attorney Healey supported this by highlighting the gross inconsistencies in the self-report provided by the Defendant in his pre-sentencing investigation and psychosexual evaluation, reminding the court of the preposterous lies told by the Defendant at each and every stage of the investigation and trial, as well as quoting the Doctor responsible for the evaluations who described the Defendant as “marked by coldness, dismissiveness, and a callous attitude when discussing the offense, along with an absence of remorse, insight, acceptance of responsibility, or empathy, significantly heightening concerns about his risk of reoffending.” In addition to the reports, the State continued by outlining the Defendant’s involvement in other violent acts, which included an active “Red Notice” from El Salvador for Aggravated Femicide relating to the murder of another female victim, listing him as “armed, dangerous, likely to escape, and violent.” Based on all the information contained in the various reports and evaluations, and the egregious nature of the offense, State’s Attorney Healey argued to the Court that Martinez-Hernandez is completely and entirely unamenable to treatment and thus, the Court should impose the maximum sentence.

Judge Curtin imposed a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, plus an additional life sentence to be run consecutively, as well as an additional forty (40) years to serve, the maximum penalty allowable by law.

Following sentencing, State’s Attorney Healey stated: “Arguably, Harford County has never seen a case or a Defendant more deserving of every single day of the maximum sentence this Court imposed today. This has been a long and grueling process for Rachel’s family, and it is our hope that this sentence provides some sense of justice as they close this chapter and move forward in their grief and toward healing. Nothing will ever bring Rachel back to them or restore their lives to what they were before this immense tragedy, but hopefully, knowing this monster will spend every single day of the rest of his life behind bars will give them some peace as they move into the next chapter of their family story. My wish for this family and Rachel’s children is that they believe we gave them some sense of justice for the loss of Rachel and that they continue to honor her memory and legacy in everything they do for the remainder of their lives.”

ABERDEEN MAN SENTENCED AFTER CONVICTION IN 2024 ARMED CARJACKING

Date: July 16, 2025
RE: State v. Michael Moore

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Michael Moore, 33, of Aberdeen, Maryland, was sentenced following a three-day jury trial in March 2025. The trial resulted in a swift verdict: the jury found Moore guilty of Armed Carjacking, Armed Robbery, and multiple related offenses after only 40 minutes of deliberation.

Evidence presented at trial proved that on February 16, 2024, the Aberdeen Police Department responded to a report of an armed carjacking and robbery in the 700 block of West Bel Air Avenue. The two victims were approached by two armed suspects. During the encounter, one of the victims sustained injuries to their face. A subsequent investigation led to the identification of Michael Moore as one of the suspects. The second suspect remains unknown. Continued investigation also recovered the 9mm ghost handgun used in this incident.

On July 16, 2025, Moore appeared before the Honorable Judge Kevin J. Mahoney for sentencing. Judge Mahoney imposed a sentence of 30 years to serve for Armed Carjacking, 20 years to serve consecutively for Armed Robbery, 20 years to serve concurrently for Armed Robbery, and 20 years, suspending all but five years to serve consecutively for Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence.

In total, Michael Moore was sentenced to 70 years, all suspended but 55 years to serve. Since the crimes are classified as crimes of violence, Moore must serve at least 27 and a half years before he is eligible for his first parole review.

“This case is a strong reminder that violent crime has serious and lasting consequences,” said State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey following sentencing. “Our office remains steadfast in our mission to protect the citizens of Harford County. I want to extend my gratitude to Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Muneses, Detective Helf, and Detective Soto of the Aberdeen Police Department for their exemplary work and commitment to justice in this case.”

EDGEWOOD WOMAN SENTENCED TO 180 YEARS FOR 2019 ARSON

Date: July 16, 2025
RE: State v. Bobbie Sue Hodge

On July 1, 2025, Bobbie Sue Hodge, 66, of Edgewood, Maryland, was sentenced to life in prison, suspending all but 180 years to serve for a 2019 arson that killed four individuals. This case, previously prosecuted in 2022, was remanded by the Appellate Court of Maryland for a new trial after the original trial court did not conduct a hearing to determine whether Hodge had requested to discharge her counsel prior to trial. This new conviction and sentence will ensure that Hodge serves more time than she would have under her original 2022 sentence before being eligible for parole.

Facts presented in support of the conviction proved that on May 9, 2019, a dwelling fire was reported at 1962 Simons Court in Edgewood at approximately 2:30 a.m. The Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company responded to extinguish the fire and rescue occupants. Three residents perished in the fire from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. A fourth resident was rescued by firefighters but succumbed to their injuries eight months later. Three other residents escaped the fire, one of whom sustained serious injuries while leaping from a top-floor window.

A joint investigation was conducted by the Office of the State Fire Marshall, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to determine the origin and cause of the fire. From the investigation, it was learned that Bobbie Sue Hodge lived in a room in the basement of the residence and had escaped the fire fully clothed with her belongings and personal documents. It was learned that Hodge was to be evicted from the residence, had repeatedly left the kitchen stove on, and had made comments that she should burn the residence down. She was also seen by witnesses moving away from a couch on the second floor as the fire started. The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary, resulting from deliberate acts of introducing an open flame to combustibles. The fire damage extended to five adjacent townhouses, causing significant property loss.

Hodge was sentenced by the Honorable Paul W. Ishak to 40 years of incarceration for each of the four counts of First-Degree Felony Murder and 20 years of incarceration for three counts of Second-Degree Assault. The sentences run consecutively for an aggregate sentence of 180 years to serve.

Following the hearing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey commented: “It can be very challenging to retry cases that were already successfully prosecuted when they are remanded for retrial. However, I am proud of the work my office does each day to seek justice for victims, no matter the obstacles and circumstances. Despite the hurdles, my office was able to secure a new sentence that will ensure that Bobbie Sue Hodge is never a danger to society again.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney David Ryden and Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Allen for securing this significant plea and sentence. Ms. Healey also thanks Master Deputy Selvage of the Office of the State Fire Marshall, Detective Burns from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and Special Agent Herb from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their thorough investigation of this case. Ms. Healey also recognizes the members of the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company for their heroic actions in their rescue attempts of the victims of this crime and for saving additional lives with their swift action.

HCDC INMATE CONVICTED OF POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE

Date: June 30, 2025
RE: State v. Brandon Randall

On Friday, June 27, 2025, Brandon Randall, 30, of Aberdeen, was convicted of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Contraband With Intent to Distribute, two counts of Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement, and two counts of CDS Possession – Not Cannabis following a three-day jury trial before the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented at trial proved that on August 12, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., deputies with the Gang Intelligence Unit of the Harford County Detention Center received an email from Detective DeFazio of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office regarding inmate Brandon Randall. Detective DeFazio informed the deputies that Randall alluded to having contraband in the detention center on a jail call. On that call, the called party stated, “You didn’t have nothing on you, did you?” Randall responded by stating, “Yeah, I got it. I got it like literally. It was easy. That’s how I’m ‘gonna’ eat.”

Deputies conducted a search of Randall’s cell and found a partial sublingual film strip of Suboxone, a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, and a plastic baggie containing seven (7) small yellow containers filled with what was later determined to be Cocaine, a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance.

An expert witness testified that Randall’s statements on the phone call were in reference to him selling contraband to other inmates, and cocaine separated into 7 containers indicates that the containers are meant for distribution.

Following the guilty verdict, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “To continue committing crimes while incarcerated shows a pattern of criminal conduct and a complete disregard for the laws that govern us. I commend the staff of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their diligence in monitoring these calls and the staff of the Harford County Detention Center for ensuring that all illegal contraband is seized and that inmates in possession are held accountable.” Sentencing will be set at a later date.

Additionally, State’s Attorney Healey acknowledges Assistant State’s Attorney Megan Lintott for her efforts in preparing and presenting this case at trial.

LOCAL PHARMACIST CONVICTED OF PRESCRIPTION FRAUD AND AGGRAVATED ANIMAL CRUELTY

Date: July 1, 2025
RE: State v. Ryan Kenneth Ball

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Ryan Kenneth Ball, 38, of Bel Air, pled guilty to one (1) count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty and one (1) count of Obtain Prescription by Fraud. The Honorable Judge Paul W. Ishak sentenced Ball to five (5) years, all suspended but one (1) year at the Harford County Detention Center and ordered that the Defendant is prohibited from possessing any animals while on probation.

Evidence presented in support of the plea proved that on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Harford County Deputies responded to a report of Controlled Dangerous Substances found in a trash can. Upon arrival, Deputies found syringes and two prescription vials. One vial’s label was stripped, but ultimately determined to be rocuronium, and the other was labeled “succinylcholine.” Deputies spoke to the caller who advised that they took their trash cans in from the night before and found the vials at the bottom of their trash can. Other homeowners spoke to Deputies and further advised that they learned their neighbor’s dog, Louie, a six-year-old Plott Hound, had just passed away and that the dog’s owner was a pharmacist in the area. The dog owner was identified as Ryan Kenneth Ball.

Harford County Animal Control began an investigation into the death of the dog with the help of Harford County Sheriff’s Office detectives. Animal Control learned that Ball did not like the dog and through their investigation, learned that Ball tried to pay others to take Louie. Animal Control learned that Louie was taken to a local veterinarian for cremation. Animal Control reached out to the veterinarian and was able to stop Louie in transport to the crematorium.

Louie was then sent to the Pennsylvania State University Animal Diagnostic Laboratory for a necropsy. The Director of the Veterinary Forensics Program discovered an area of hemorrhage near the jugular grove of the animal and sent tissue samples to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing. The toxicological testing revealed Louie’s heart blood contained 2,400 ng/mL of rocuronium and less than 5 ng/g of succinylcholine. The Penn State University Veterinary Director determined that Louie’s cause of death was due to an overdose of rocuronium, a neuromuscular blocking agent.

It was also revealed that rocuronium and succinylcholine are two drugs generally used in Rapid Sequence Intubation in hospital and emergency medical settings. These drugs are generally used to relax skeletal muscles during surgery, so hospital personnel can operate on a patient. Typically, these drugs are used in combination with sedatives and mechanically assisted ventilation as they can decrease breathing and other vital processes to the extent that death will ensue if ventilation is not supported. The Penn State University Director further opined that the concentration of rocuronium was similar to those reported in humans under full surgical anesthesia with ventilatory support and would have resulted in near-complete neuromuscular paralysis with respiratory failure and death within several minutes of intravenous injection.

Other pharmacy experts consulted during this investigation found that if a patient, such as Louie, were administered these drugs without respiratory support or sedatives, the patient would experience “awareness with paralysis” and would be conscious as the drugs took effect.

Through continued investigation, it was learned that Ryan Kenneth Ball was a licensed pharmacist at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. Records provided by Upper Chesapeake showed that the two vials found in the trash can were prescription drugs ordered by the hospital for routine use. Upper Chesapeake places warning labels on these drugs stating: “WARNING: PARALYZING AGENT. PATIENT MUST BE VENTILATED. CAUSES RESPIRATORY ARREST.” It was ultimately determined that Ball used his access at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center to obtain these drugs and take them home.

Additionally, Ball has been referred to the Board of Pharmacy for a review of his license.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “Medical professionals in this county are placed in a position of extreme trust. Utilizing your license and position in a local hospital to illegally obtain medications and improperly administer them to kill your family dog is a gross violation of the trust placed in this Defendant in his position as a medical professional. Holding the Defendant accountable in this case is important in deterring him and others from future misuse of medications available in the capacity of their employment.”

State’s Attorney Healey expresses her gratitude to Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks for his commitment to the investigation and prosecution of this case. She also commends Animal Control Manager Cajigas and Detective Schueler of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and relentless investigatory efforts in this matter.

HAVRE DE GRACE MAN CONVICTED OF ROBBERY

Date: June 16, 2025
Re: State of Maryland v. Andre James McFarland

On June 9, 2025, Andre James McFarland, 55, of Havre de Grace, was convicted of Robbery, Assault in the 2nd Degree, Theft Less Than $100, Fleeing and Eluding by Vehicle, Fleeing and Eluding by Foot, and Obstructing and Hindering, following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented at trial proved that on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Havre de Grace Officers were dispatched to the Royal Farms located at 803 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, Maryland for the report of a fight. As Officers arrived on scene, witnesses pointed to a vehicle that was leaving resulting in officers giving pursuit. The driver of the vehicle was identified as the Defendant, Andre McFarland. McFarland failed to stop and eventually exited his vehicle and fled from the Officers on foot. Further investigation revealed that the entire incident was captured on surveillance videos from inside and outside the Royal Farms. The videos showed McFarland entering the store, walking behind the counter and trying to push past the store clerk. The clerk put her hands up to hold McFarland back, when he grabbed the clerk by the neck and shirt and violently threw her to the ground. At that time, a customer in the store saw the commotion and tried to assist the store clerk and stop McFarland. The Defendant was not deterred and grabbed two packs of Newport 100 cigarettes before exiting the store. The store clerk and the customer followed McFarland outside and pointed Officers to his vehicle. A warrant was obtained, and Officers reported to McFarland’s last known location on December 26, 2024, where he was observed, and attempts were made to take him into custody. McFarland once again fled, requiring pepper spray and taser deployments before ultimately placing him under arrest.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, McFarland was sentenced to twenty-one (21) years, suspending all but eight (8) years to serve, despite the State’s recommendation for a twenty-five (25) year sentence of active incarceration.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey stated: “Once again, our office continues to prove that we will take these cases to trial and hold violent offenders accountable. We will settle for nothing less than Harford County citizens feeling safe in our communities. We will not tolerate offenders placing our citizens in danger or committing violent acts upon them in their place of employment and routine locations like convenience stores. We will continue to request significant sentences to remove these offenders from our streets.”

State’s Attorney Healey commends Assistant State’s Attorney Vincenzo Culotta for his efforts and advocacy in this jury trial. She also expresses her sincere gratitude to the Havre de Grace Police Department and Officer Persuhn for their efforts in the investigation and apprehension of this repeat violent offender.

EDGEWOOD MAN CONVICTED OF SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR

MAXIMUM SENTENCE IN NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER CASE

Date: May 30, 2025
Re: State v. Jared Anzelc and Shanna Anzelc

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Jared and Shanna Anzelc were sentenced in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Judge Alex Allman following their prior guilty pleas in relation to a 2023 Driving Under the Influence incident resulting in the death of eighty-year-old Monkton woman.

Evidence presented in support of those guilty pleas proved that on May 7, 2023, after playing a round of golf at the Mountain Branch Golf Club, Jared Anzelc consumed alcohol at the bar despite being on probation for a 2022 conviction for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and being ordered to abstain from the consumption of any alcohol. After several hours of drinking, Jared called his wife, Shanna, and asked her to come to the golf club. When she arrived, Shanna blew into the interlock system installed on Jared’s vehicle, and he drove off while Shanna followed behind. Approximately 16.9 miles from the golf club, while traveling north on Norrisville Road near the intersection of White Hall Road, Jared crossed over the double yellow line, into the southbound lane. The victim was traveling in the southbound lane, and when she saw Jared’s vehicle heading towards her, she swerved into the northbound lane. Jared swerved in the same direction, causing a head on collision. The victim was airlifted to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, having sustained life-threatening injuries. She later succumbed to those injuries on May 10, 2023.

The victim’s family and friends were present in court for the sentencing hearings and gave emotional and moving victim impact statements both expressing to the court the impact of this tragedy, but also beautifully honoring her life. Ultimately, Judge Allman sentenced Jared Anzelc to the maximum sentence allowable by law for the Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle charge, fifteen years to serve, as well as an additional two years suspended for the DUI Per Se. Following his release, he will be subject to a five-year period of supervised probation. Additionally, Shanna Anzelc was sentenced to ten years, suspending all but three years to serve for Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle, acting as an Accessory Before the Fact. She will also be subject to a period of three years of supervised probation upon release.

Following the sentencing State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey, commented: “This loss of life was a completely preventable and a senseless tragedy. Jared and Shanna Anzelc’s blatant disregard for the law and the lives of others on the road were deserving of these serious consequences. It is my hope that the finality of this sentencing can give this victim’s family a sense of closure after a long and tragic chapter of their lives.”

State’s Attorney Healey would like to express her sincere appreciation for Assistant State’s Attorney Megan Lintott for her unwavering commitment to justice in this case. Her fortitude throughout every step of this case ensured that this maximum sentence was achieved and Harford County citizens are safer with these Defendants off our roads. Ms. Healey also commends the Victim Witness Unit of the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, who worked closely with this family throughout the court process and is invaluable in supporting victims in these life altering events. Finally, she thanks Trooper Allen of the Maryland State Police for his investigation and Sgt. Rumaker for his efforts in accident reconstruction that was a vital piece of evidence in the prosecution of these cases.

FIRST DEGREE MURDER CONVICTION IN 2024 JOPPATOWNE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING

Today, May 29, 2025, Jaylen Rushawn Prince, 16, of Edgewood, was convicted by a Harford County jury after three hours of deliberation of First Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Crime of Violence, Minor in Possession of a Firearm, Dangerous Weapon on School Property, Loaded Handgun on a Person, and Handgun on a Person.

These convictions follow an eight-day jury trial, where evidence was presented proving that on September 6, 2024, first responders were dispatched to Joppatowne High School for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed the victim to be a fifteen-year-old male student who had been shot inside the school bathroom. He was immediately transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview where lifesaving surgeries were attempted but unsuccessful, and he later succumbed to his injuries that afternoon.

Further investigation of the incident identified the shooter to be Jaylen Rushawn Prince. Witnesses presented in trial testified that Prince and the victim were engaged in a verbal altercation after the Defendant followed the victim into the school bathroom to confront him over issues relating to a female student. One of the student witnesses present at the time of the incident filmed the confrontation where Prince is clearly depicted as the aggressor, threatening to kill the victim four times. Witnesses testified that they observed Prince remove the firearm from his backpack, cock the weapon and ultimately shoot the victim before fleeing the scene and disposing of the murder weapon, which was never found.
State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey, who prosecuted the case with her co-counsel Anthony Baranauskas, offered the following comment after the verdict: “We are very proud today to have given justice to the victim’s family. At fifteen years old, his life was taken by this defendant far too soon in a place that is supposed to be safe for the children of our communities. There is absolutely no justifiable reason for a sixteen-year-old to be armed with a firearm, especially in the halls of our high schools. It is my hope that this case sends a clear message that if you make adult decisions that take the life of another, there will be adult consequences.”

State’s Attorney Healey would like to express her sincere thanks to Assistant State’s Attorney Anthony Baranauskas for his assistance in the preparation and prosecution of this case. She further commends Detective Ross of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and all of the members of the Criminal Investigation Division as well as all the members of law enforcement that responded to this tragic incident.

Sentencing has been set for September 2, 2025, where the Defendant faces a maximum penalty of a life sentence plus twenty-eight years of incarceration.

LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE SENTENCE IN 2022 EDGEWOOD MURDER

Date: May 1, 2025
Re: Sentencing Update – State v. Anthony Sean Ross

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Anthony Sean Ross, 32, of Nottingham was sentenced to Life without the possibility of parole plus a consecutive twenty (20) years to serve by the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen following his February 2025 conviction for First Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder, and related firearms charges.

These charges stem from an April 2022 shooting where the victim, a 38-year-old Edgewood man, was murdered outside of his home when 22 rounds were fired in his direction, striking him in the back and ultimately, causing his death. Following the sentencing State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following comment: “Life without the possibility of parole is the maximum sentence allowable by law in Maryland and was absolutely appropriate for this senseless killing. Today closes a very long and grueling chapter for this victim’s family, and I hope they can find some peace knowing the Anthony Ross will never walk the streets of our community again.”

State’s Attorney Healey extends her praise and gratitude to Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Muneses and Assistant State’s Attorney Vincenzo Culotta for their perseverance and commitment to justice in this case. It is through their diligence and hard work that this maximum sentence was secured.