Tag Archives: aberdeen

ABINGDON MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT

Date: September 22, 2026
RE: State v. Alford Johnson

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, Alford Delone Johnson, 46, of Abingdon, was convicted of First Degree Assault and Second Degree Assault following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Judge Yolanda L. Curtin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented at trial proved that on November 7, 2025, a 31-year-old male victim was waiting for public transportation at the bus stop on East Bel Air Avenue in Aberdeen when he was struck unprovoked by the Defendant, Alford Johnson, in the face with a liquor bottle. The strike caused a significant laceration to the neck of the victim requiring emergency medical treatment and sutures. Johnson was also witnessed slapping and punching an additional 51-year-old male victim who was also present at the bus stop. Further evidence showed that Johnson had been drinking and was agitated while looking for his girlfriend prior to the assaults. At the time of the incident, witnesses could only identify the Defendant as “Chi Town.” Following an investigation by the Aberdeen Police Department, officers were able to identify “Chi Town” as the Defendant, Alford Johnson, and arrested him several days later in Aberdeen. Johnson was remanded to the custody of the Harford County Detention Center following the conviction at the request of Deputy State’s Attorney David Ryden, where he will be held pending sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “I am thankful that another Harford County jury helped us send the message that violence on our streets and in our communities will not be tolerated. My office remains committed to public safety in Harford County and will continue to hold offenders accountable for the crimes committed here. I commend Deputy State’s Attorney David Ryden for his efforts in taking this case to trial, as well as Officers Potts, Saraiva, Zamora and Corporal Kinlaw of the Aberdeen Police Department for their thorough investigation and collaboration with my office in preparing this case.”

ABERDEEN MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER FOLLOWING FOUR-DAY JURY TRIAL

Date: August 5, 2026
RE: State v. Trevor Taylor

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Trevor Taylor, 35, of Aberdeen, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, First-Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Loaded Handgun on Person, and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence following a four-day jury trial before the Honorable Paul Ishak in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on January 23, 2025, at approximately 8:28 PM, Aberdeen Police Units were dispatched to the area of Washington Street and Dorsey Street in Aberdeen. 911 callers advised a slender black male was lying in the middle of the intersection even though it was “freezing cold.”

Officers arrived on scene at approximately 8:39 PM and observed an individual, later identified as Travis Marquise Davis, lying in the roadway. Officers attempted to talk to Travis, but he was unresponsive. Two gunshot wounds were observed on the victim’s chest, and life-saving measures were attempted. Ultimately, Davis was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers seized a bag that was in Davis’ left hand and a loaded 9MM Ruger Security-9 handgun that was located to the left of his body. A spent 9mm shell casing was also located near Davis’ head.

Multiple detectives from the Aberdeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, Special Operations Unit, and Harford County Narcotics Task Force canvassed the area for potential witnesses and surveillance video footage. Law enforcement collected multiple videos capturing four gunshots and a light-colored sedan traveling away from the crime scene at a high rate of speed following the shooting.

On January 27, detectives were canvassing the area of Washington Street when a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle was observed to be parked in the driveway of 422 Washington Street. The vehicle was a white 2019 Honda Accord with exterior auto-body repair work utilizing Bondo on the rear driver’s side door. The suspect vehicle was registered to Trevor Martin Clifton Taylor.

On January 29, detectives responded to 417 Washington Street in Aberdeen and reviewed surveillance video footage from January 23. At approximately 8:31 PM, an individual was observed walking from the direction of 422 Washington Street towards the sewer drainage system in front of 417 Washington Street. The individual was observed throwing an unknown object down the sewer system. A minute later, the same individual was observed throwing another unknown object down the sewer system. The individual then walked back in the direction of 422 Washington Street. The individual captured on the surveillance footage was determined to be Trevor Taylor.

On January 30, law enforcement responded to the area of 417 Washington Street while accompanied by individuals with the Bel Air Department of Public Works. Believing that Trevor Taylor discarded casings or evidence related to this incident, law enforcement searched the immediate area of the sewer system, as well as inside the sewer. Law enforcement located a 9MM shell casing in the rocks next to trash cans for 417 Washington Street, and another 9MM shell casing on a cement divider underneath the sewer drainage grate. An analysis of the casings located on Washington Street indicated that they were not fired from the 9MM Ruger Security 9 handgun recovered near the victim’s body. It was also determined that the shell casing located on January 23, near Davis’ body, was fired from the 9MM Ruger Security-9 handgun.

On February 3, 2026, Detectives with the Aberdeen Police Department executed the search and seizure warrant on the white 2019 Honda Accord registered to the Defendant. Bullet holes were observed in the interior rear driver’s side and passenger side door. It was ultimately determined through the course of the investigation, including a shooting incident reconstruction, that Trevor Taylor shot Travis Davis twice in the chest. While falling to the ground, Davis was able to return gunfire, striking Trevor Taylor’s vehicle as it fled the scene.

Following the verdict, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Gabriella Vazzana and Assistant State’s Attorney Ari Kodeck for their efforts in securing a First-Degree Murder conviction in this case. We have repeatedly shown and continue to prove that gun violence in our communities is not something we will tolerate in Harford County. Utilizing the incredible investigative efforts and shooting incident reconstruction from our law enforcement partners, I am proud that my office has once again removed another violent criminal from our streets, as we continue to demonstrate our success and commitment to keeping Harford County safe.”

State’s Attorney Healey also commends Detective Lightner for his investigative efforts leading to the arrest of this Defendant, as well as the brilliant work and testimony of Cpl. Gahner for his shooting incident reconstruction and testimony resulting in this conviction. The defendant will continue to be held at the Harford County Detention Center while pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at 1:30 PM.

FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT CONVICTION FOR ABERDEEN STABBING

Date: July 2, 2026
Re: State vs. Monique Caprice Gash

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Monique Caprice Gash, 45, of Aberdeen, was convicted of First-Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Judge M. Elizabeth Bowen in the Circuit Court for Harford County. Following the conviction, the Defendant’s bail was revoked, and she is currently being held at the Harford County Detention Center, where she will remain pending sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2026.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Aberdeen Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of Hanover Street and Old Post Road for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who advised she had just been stabbed by the Defendant, Monique Gash, whom she had known for over a decade. The victim told police that she went to the area to drop off her stepson, so he could retrieve his ID card for a job interview the next day. While the victim waited for her stepson to leave the apartment, she observed the Defendant, her stepson and her child’s father argue as they left the building. The victim tried to create distance from the argument by putting her car in reverse, driving around the parking lot, and honking her horn to break it up. During the argument, the passenger side door of the victim’s vehicle was opened. Gash pushed her way past the two other individuals and stabbed the victim in the arm, creating a 6 cm laceration to her forearm. While stabbing the victim, the Defendant yelled, “I’m going to stab you.” At the time of the incident, the victim was approximately four months pregnant. The victim was able to put her car in drive and left the area to call 911. She was later transported to Hopkins Bayview for medical treatment, where she received seven stitches to close the stab wound.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “My administration has spent the last four years sending the message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated, and this case is a continuation of that message. I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks for his efforts in prosecuting this case, as well as Officer Chaney, Corporal Gerace, and Detective Welsh for their investigative efforts and testimony ultimately leading to charging and conviction.”

ABERDEEN MAN CONVICTED IN RELATION TO OCTOBER 2023 SHOOTING

Date: January 7, 2026
Re: State v. Alexander Maszkiewicz

On Monday, December 22, 2025, Alexander Maszkiewicz, 27, of Aberdeen, was sentenced to twenty-five (25) years of incarceration, suspending all but eighteen (18) years to serve by the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin in connection with an October 2023 shooting in Aberdeen, Maryland.

Following a three-day jury trial, Maszkiewicz was convicted by a jury on November 4, 2025, after the State proved that on October 18, 2023, approximately ten gunshots were fired in the 100 block of New County Road in Aberdeen. At the time of the incident, no witnesses or victims came forward, and the investigation initially went cold.

Despite the lack of immediate leads, Detective Lightner of the Aberdeen Police Department continued to pursue the case. In mid-2024, Detective Lightner received a critical ballistics lead that identified a possible suspect as Alexander Maszkiewicz. Through diligent and persistent investigative work, Detective Lightner was able to locate the Glock 43X used in the shooting and ultimately charge Maszkiewicz in relation to the shooting. Following the presentation of evidence in this case, the jury deliberated for 90 minutes, returning guilty verdicts against the Defendant on all charges presented, to include Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Handgun on a Person, and Reckless Endangerment. The Defendant’s Maryland Sentencing Guidelines suggested a period of incarceration of five (5) to eight (8) years of incarceration. However, Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Muneses was able to successfully argue for an upward deviation of the sentence in this case.

Following the sentencing State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “This case underscores the dedication of local law enforcement and further reinforces my office’s ongoing commitment and collaborative approach with law enforcement to investigate, charge, and convict violent offenders. Our focus continues to be protecting the citizens of Harford County by holding violent offenders accountable, even when cases begin with few leads.” State’s Attorney Healey further commends Detective Lightner on his outstanding investigative work in this case and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Muneses for his unwavering dedication to justice.

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.”

ABERDEEN MAN CONVICTED IN BELCAMP MURDER

Date: November 18, 2024
RE: State v Djbril Ramatoulay

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Djbril Ramatoulay, 32, of Aberdeen, was convicted of Attempted First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, and various related firearms offenses following a four-day jury trial before the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Facts presented in trial proved that on April 23, 2024, members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded the McDonald’s on Riverside Parkway for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they observed one deceased victim inside the McDonald’s suffering from two gunshot wounds to the head. An additional victim was also on scene and had taken shelter in the stockroom of the restaurant. Surveillance footage also showed that the suspect chased the surviving victim out of the McDonald’s and into the parking lot of the nearby Waffle House, firing three additional rounds. Through the course of their investigation, Detectives were able to identify the shooter as Djbril Ramatoulay. A search warrant was executed on the Defendant’s residence where they located the clothing worn in the surveillance footage during the incident. Those items were seized, swabbed and submitted for testing, where DNA analysis was conducted and confirmed that blood from the deceased victim was present on Ramatoulay’s clothing. The Defendant was interviewed, where he denied interacting with either victim and also gave a false description of the clothing he was wearing on the night in question. Ramatoulay is currently being held in the Harford County Detention Center pending his sentencing hearing on March 18, 2025.

Following the jury’s verdict, State’s Attorney Alison Healey offered the following comment: “This is yet another prosecution by our office for a violent crime, and another violent criminal convicted by a Harford County jury will be removed from the streets of Harford County. Our citizens are safer because of the successful prosecutions by our office. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated but committing such an egregious act in a public place which put so many innocent citizens at risk calls for a strong message to be sent. My heart is with the families of the deceased victim in this case as well as with the surviving victim. While I know that nothing can bring back the young man that was lost, I hope that this verdict will bring some sense of peace and justice to them as they all try move on from this horrific crime.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her efforts in the prosecution of this case as well as the outstanding support staff of the State’s Attorney’s Office that assisted in preparing this case for trial. She also expressed her gratitude for the efforts of Harford County Sheriff’s Office Detective Ross, Dr. Mounkes from the Maryland State Police Crime Lab, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Dean, and the civilian witnesses and surviving victim whose testimony was instrumental in securing a conviction in this case.

GANG MEMBER CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER FOLLOWING SIX-DAY TRIAL

DATE: August 2, 2024
RE: State v Nigel Pearson

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Nigel Isaiah Pearson, 22, of Aberdeen, was convicted of two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, Four Counts of First Degree Assault, Four Counts of Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence, Four Counts of Reckless Endangerment, One Count of Handgun in Vehicle, One Count of Loaded Handgun in Vehicle, One Count of Handgun on Person, and One Count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Minor following a six-day bench trial before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Through the testimony of twenty-one witnesses, including members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, and three experts, the evidence presented in trial showed that on November 16, 2022, Nigel Pearson, along with additional members of the “Rollin’ 20’s” gang, drove in two separate vehicles to 302 Stevens Circle in Aberdeen with the intent to shoot and kill members of the “Choppa Boys” gang. Evidence also showed that the motive behind the shooting was that rival gang members had posted a rap video on YouTube just a few days prior. Once at Stevens Circle, Nigel Pearson, along with others, mercilessly shot at a group of four teenage victims who were actively changing a tire in the parking lot and then drove away. Two out of the four teenagers were struck by gunfire: one in the chest and one in the head. Due to the quick response of First Responders, both victims survived. The following day, Pearson then drove his vehicle to a secluded location in the woods in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania and burned the vehicle, which was used during the shooting. The vehicle was later discovered by Pennsylvania State Police who began an investigation into Pearson.

Sentencing is set for October 25, 2024, before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak. Following the verdict, State’s Attorney Healey issued the following statement: “Gang activity produces some of the most violent cases we see as prosecutors. This defendant, having no regard for the lives of others, made a conscious decision to take and endanger the lives of other human beings for no reason other than his gang affiliation. We will relentlessly pursue justice in cases such as this one to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Our community is safer with Nigel Pearson behind bars. My office will seek to ensure that he is never a danger to our citizens again. I commend the victim for her bravery in testifying during trial and for all that she has had to overcome as a result of this defendant’s actions.”

State’s Attorney Healey further thanks Detective Shoffstall, Detective Soto, Detective Garrett, Detective Lightner, and Lieutenant Persuhn for their hard work investigating this case. She also commends Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca A. Malkowski and Deputy State’s Attorney David W. Ryden for their incredible efforts in securing these convictions.

ANOTHER STRONG SENTENCE FOR A VIOLENT FELONY CONVICTION: 70 YEARS TO SERVE

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Gary Dashon Davenport, 44, of Edgewood, was found guilty of First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, Illegal Possession of a Firearm By a Person with a Felony Conviction, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting a Handgun on a Person, and Transporting a Handgun in a Vehicle following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Yolanda Curtin.

Evidence presented in trial showed that on August 11, 2023, officers of the Aberdeen Police Department responded to Horizon Cinemas for reports of an assault with a weapon. Upon arrival, officers learned that a red Kia arrived at the movie theater and entered the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Gary Dashon Davenport was in the passenger seat of that vehicle. Officers reviewed surveillance footage from the Horizon Cinema and Aberdeen Marketplace, which showed Davenport and another individual exiting the vehicle, running into the theater, and chasing after a group of juveniles. Upon exiting the theater, Davenport was observed removing a firearm from a black satchel, holding it down by his side and hunting the juveniles through the parking lot. Davenport’s accomplice re-entered the Kia, weaving throughout the parking lot directly towards the fleeing juveniles. Eventually, Davenport re-entered the Kia and continued to chase the juveniles to the rear of Aberdeen Marketplace and into the parking lot of Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union where witnesses heard a gunshot. Officers of the Aberdeen Police Department were able to recover one .40 cal. shell casing at the entrance to the APGFCU parking lot where the red Kia entered. Surveillance footage showed the juveniles reacting to the gunshot and running in the opposite direction with one juvenile hiding behind an electrical box for cover. Det. Soto of the Aberdeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division investigated the matter and was able to identify Davenport as the individual who chased the juveniles with the handgun. Additionally, a Search and Seizure warrant was executed, and clothing matching what Davenport was wearing on the night of the offense was recovered. Evidence presented also showed that Gary Dashon Davenport is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous conviction for Second Degree Murder in 2008. At the time of this incident, Davenport was on parole for that offense after being released from custody in 2022.

At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks argued for the maximum sentence in this case, which is an upward deviation from the 10 to 15 year sentence calculated by the Maryland Automated Sentencing Guidelines. Mr. Brooks further argued that the court needed to send a strong message that “shows the citizens of Harford County that violence against children will not be tolerated.” He added that given the nature of this offense, as well as the prior violent felony conviction, the upward deviation in sentencing was appropriate.
Ultimately, Davenport was sentenced by the Honorable Yolanda Curtin to the maximum penalty allowable by law – 60 years to serve, with the first 20 years being mandatory and without the possibility of parole. In addition, as a result of the conviction in this case, Davenport was also found in violation of probation in the 2008 Second Degree Murder case. At the request of Assistant State’s Attorney Vincenzo Culotta, the court further imposed the remaining 10 years of that sentence as a result of the violation and ordered that it be served consecutively to the sentence in this case, for a total sentence of 70 years to serve. Davenport’s accomplice has also been charged and is pending trial in this matter. The trial is scheduled for later this year.

Following the sentencing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “From an evidentiary standpoint, this case was challenging, but as our office has proven repeatedly, we will not shy away from bringing tough cases to trial, and we will do so successfully. Justice prevailed when the jury returned guilty verdicts in this case, and our citizens are safer for it. The citizens of this county should be free to take their children to the movies without the threat of gunfire and without any fear for their safety. This kind of violent criminal behavior that puts innocent people at risk will not be tolerated in our community. I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks and Assistant State’s Attorney Vincenzo Culotta for their incredibly hard work in this case to ensure that this Defendant, who already has a history of extreme violence, is incarcerated for the maximum time allowable by law.”

State’s Attorney Healey continued by expressing her gratitude to Detective Soto, Officer Kinlaw, and the other members of the Aberdeen Police Department that worked tirelessly to investigate this case and to ensure that those responsible were charged and held accountable.

ABERDEEN MAN GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE RAPE – STATE TO SEEK 85 YEARS TO SERVE

RE: State of Maryland vs. Tavon Isaiah Harvey
On Monday, October 23, 2023, Tavon Isaiah Harvey, 29, of Aberdeen, Maryland pled guilty in three separate cases before the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney. Harvey pled guilty in the most serious case to one count of First Degree Rape. In the other two cases, Harvey pled guilty to one count of an Inmate Causing Contact with Bodily Fluid and entered into an admission to violating probation for a prior conviction for Second Degree Assault (the equivalent of a guilty plea for a Violation of Probation proceeding).

Facts presented to the court in support of the guilty plea on the charge of First Degree Rape revealed that on December 30, 2022, the victim reported a rape to the Aberdeen Police Department. Officer Haddix assumed the investigation which revealed Harvey vaginally and anally penetrated the victim over the course of two hours between midnight and 2 A.M. that same date. The victim identified Harvey via an MVA photograph and further reported seeing Harvey watching her walk into the police precinct that morning wearing the same clothes, a distinctive red sweatsuit. The rape occurred inside an abandoned building at 18 N. Law Street in Aberdeen. Harvey held the victim at knifepoint during the rape and also strangled her. The victim was able to escape when another individual entered the abandoned house, distracting Harvey. Harvey was Mirandized and gave several conflicting versions of events, to include that he had not seen the victim and only knew her in passing. A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (“SAFE”) was conducted, evidencing injuries and bruising consistent with the victim’s recitation of events. DNA evidence was also collected during the SAFE exam, which confirmed Harvey’s identity as the assailant.

In Harvey’s second case, evidence showed that on April 8, 2023, while being held at the Harford County Detention Center awaiting trial, Harvey used empty bottles from his shower items to collect fecal matter, which he then sprayed over the bars and walls of the day room during shift change. Responding deputies and correctional officers were forced to decontaminate the area.
Harvey remains held without bond at the Harford County Detention Center while awaiting sentencing which is currently scheduled for January 25, 2024. Pursuant to the plea agreement in the First Degree Rape case, the State will be arguing for a sentence of Life suspend all but eighty-five (85) years of active incarceration to serve.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey offered the following comment: “Harford County has no place for violent criminal offenders like Tavon Harvey. The egregious acts that were perpetrated upon his victim in the rape case were nothing short of horrific. It is my sincere hope that the First Degree Rape conviction will give the victim some relief that justice was served as she closes this chapter and begins to heal. Mr. Harvey’s blatant disregard for others as demonstrated in all three of these cases
sends a clear message that he should be removed from our community for as much of the remainder of his life as possible, if not all of it, so he cannot continue to harm the citizens of our community. Our office continues to repeatedly send the message that we will not tolerate criminal behavior in Harford County.”

Ms. Healey continued on to express her gratitude to Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her hard work in securing this plea agreements in these cases, for her advocacy on behalf of the victims, and for ensuring that another violent criminal is removed from the streets of Harford County. She also thanks Officer Haddix and the Aberdeen Police Department for their diligence in the investigation of the rape case and the correctional staff at the Harford County Detention Center for their efforts in the Bodily Fluids case and in housing Harvey while awaiting trial.

ABDERDEEN WOMAN CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE ASSAULT OF CHARGES

Ieshia Smiley, 40, of Aberdeen, Maryland was convicted on April 18, 2023 of First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, and Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Assault following a two-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Harford County. The case originated following a report of a stabbing that occurred in the Unit Block of N. Philadelphia Boulevard in Aberdeen, Maryland on October 27, 2022.

Evidence at trial before the Honorable Judge M. Elizabeth Bowen established that officers from the Aberdeen Police Department were dispatched to the Exxon at 7 N. Philadelphia Boulevard at approximately 5:38 p.m. Officers initially met with Smiley and a co-defendant who acknowledged being in a fight with the victim. Witnesses at trial testified that Smiley and the co-defendant approached the victim as she was leaving the Exxon and confronted the victim about $10. Smiley and the co-defendant then began to attack the victim using a knife and, what were believed to be, brass knuckles. The victim was believed to be stabbed in the head two times suffering lacerations to her head, a contusion to her forehead, and the loss of three teeth.

A portion of the incident was captured on Exxon’s video surveillance system and was introduced at trial. Three knives were recovered at the scene, with one being located near Smiley and the co-defendant, which had a strand of hair on it that was the same color as the victim’s.

Smiley is being held without bail pending sentencing. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 26, 2023. Smiley faces up to twenty five years of incarceration for First Degree Assault and twenty five years of incarceration for Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Assault. The Second Degree Assault conviction will merge into First Degree Assault for purposes of sentencing. Smiley also faces a Violation of Probation for an unrelated First Degree Assault.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey said after the jury’s verdict: “The permanent injuries the victim sustained during this violent crime are deplorable, and in Harford County, we will not tolerate injuries of any kind being perpetrated upon our citizens, and especially not injuries of this magnitude. My office continues to demonstrate that we are aggressively pursuing violent offenders to remove them from our community. I commend the victim in this case for her courage to stand up against a Defendant who committed a horrific crime against her by providing compelling testimony that was supported by the independent evidence, resulting in this significant verdict.”

Ms. Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney David W. Ryden for his hard work and pursuit of justice for the victim in this case. In addition, she thanks Officer Epps, Corporal Hoffman, and Detective Soto from the Aberdeen Police Department for rapidly responding to render aid to the victim and for securing evidence during their investigation leading to Smiley’s arrest and conviction.