Tag Archives: Assault

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.”

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.

MIDDLE RIVER MAN FOUND GUILTY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT

DATE: December 13, 2024
RE: State v. Timothy Frye Jr.

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Timothy Frye Jr. was found guilty of First-Degree Assault and Second-Degree Assault 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 November 14, 2023, at approximately 8:09 AM, Deputy First Class Tatum and Deputy First Class Harvell responded to a residence on Plaza Circle in Joppa in reference to a 911 hang up. Dispatch advised the deputies that the caller called them back and stated that there was no emergency, and nobody needed to come to the previously provided address, but during that second call, dispatch could hear an infant crying in the background, and the caller sounded extremely out of breath.

Upon arrival, Deputies met with the victim, who was holding her one-year-old daughter and crying. The victim also had multiple scratches under her left eye, a swollen lip, bruising and scratches around her neck, and bruising and scratches on her left arm. It was later discovered that the victim had bruising on her left foot as well. Upon speaking to the victim, she advised that she had gotten into an argument with her boyfriend, Timothy Frye, Jr., over a miscommunication about a question Frye had asked her. The victim further explained that during the argument, Frye had forcefully grabbed her, thrown her into a wall, tried to pull her teeth out of her mouth, punched her in the face, stomped on her foot, and strangled her to the point where she felt like she could not breathe. The victim told the deputies that she tried to call 911 for help, but Frye forced her to hang up and threatened to kill her if she did not call back and tell 911 that police did not need to come. After realizing police were likely coming, Frye fled the residence, leaving the victim and their one-year-old daughter behind.

Following the jury’s guilty verdict, Frye was returned to the Harford County Detention Center where he will await sentencing on February 7, 2025. Frye also remains on probation for an unrelated Domestic Second-Degree Assault in Baltimore County.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following comment: “As a long-time domestic violence prosecutor, these cases are always ones close to my heart. Every victim and child should feel safe in their own homes and not be subjected to violence and abuse at the hands of those who claim to love them. I’m incredibly proud of the amazing effort put forth by Assistant State’s Attorney Logan Hayes to ensure that this victim and her child no longer must be subjected to any type of violence at the hands of this defendant. It is abundantly clear that the convictions in this case will aid in the prevention of future danger to the victim in this case.”

State’s Attorney Healey further expressed her gratitude to Harford County Sheriff’s Office Detective DeFazio, Deputy First Class Tatum, and Deputy First Class Harvell for their investigation and testimony leading to this conviction.

HAVRE DE GRACE MAN CONIVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT BY JURY

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Alexander Beniquez, 62, of Havre de Grace, was found guilty of First Degree Assault and Second Degree Assault following a two day jury trial before the Honorable Yolanda L. Curtin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

This conviction stems from an incident occurring on July 23, 2023, where Beniquez was found to have assaulted his wife in an Edgewood Motel room where the couple was staying. Evidence presented in the trial proved that Beniquez struck the victim and eventually strangled her by placing his hands around her neck and squeezing with so much force that marks and bruises were almost immediately visible on her neck. This strangulation restricted the victim’s airflow, and she was rendered unconscious for several minutes. After regaining consciousness, the argument continued into the parking lot of the motel, where Defendant convinced the victim to get into the car with him, promising to take her somewhere safe. However, the arguing continued in the vehicle and the victim eventually fled at an intersection running into a nearby restaurant to call 911. Beniquez left the scene prior to police arrival.

Following the guilty verdict, the Defendant was remanded into the custody of the Harford County Detention Center where he will remain pending sentencing which will be scheduled at a later date. State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey offered the following comment: “As a long time Domestic Violence prosecutor, cases like these will always be a priority under my administration. The cycle of domestic violence is one that results in the loss of far too many lives and I am proud of the work my office is doing to protect those most vulnerable and ensure that justice is served before life is lost.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Assistant State’s Attorney, Jennifer Alvarez for her perseverance and advocacy in this case. She also thanks Detective Marks of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation of this matter which ultimately resulted in a violent Domestic Violence offender being removed from our community.

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.

South Carolina Man Sentenced to 30 Years For First Degree Assault and Robbery

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: May 16, 2022
RE: Sentencing of Brian Summerson

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the sentencing of Brian Summerson, from Dillon, South Carolina for assault in the first degree and robbery.

On January 8, 2021, Harford County Sheriff’s Detectives responded to Mercy Hospital for the report of an assault that had occurred earlier in Belcamp. Detectives interviewed the victim who indicated that she met a man online and agreed to meet him in Harford County. During the course of their interaction, the suspect strangled the victim and forced her to send him money through Cash App. The victim later provided phone numbers to Detectives and positively identified Brian Summerson through a photo array as her attacker. Detectives further discovered that Mr. Summerson was arrested in Florida after this incident for a similar crime and a Federal warrant had been issued for an alleged kidnapping in Tennessee.

Mr. Summerson was extradited to Harford County where he stood trial. Following a four-day bench trial in front of the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney, Mr. Summerson was convicted of assault in the first degree and robbery.

On May 13, 2022, Judge Mahoney sentenced Mr. Summerson to an aggregate 30 years of incarceration to be served at the Department of Corrections. Upon completion of those sentences, the defendant was additionally placed on five years of supervised probation.

“I am very pleased with this outcome,” said Harford County State’s Attorney Albert J. Peisinger, Jr. “This violent individual deserved nothing less than the significant jail sentence he received for this horrible crime.” Mr. Peisinger further stated: “I certainly hope that the victim can find closure. As this prosecution and sentence shows, we will not waver in our commitment to eradicating brutal and senseless instances of violence such as this to ensure the safety of our communities.”

Mr. Peisinger thanked the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their response and investigation and Assistant State’s Attorneys Cyndi Adkins and Toi Mason for their advocacy that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Summerson.

South Carolina Man Convicted of First Degree assault and Robbery in Harford County

South Carolina Man Convicted of First Degree Assault and Robbery in Harford County

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: March 15, 2022
RE: Conviction of Brian Summerson

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Brian Summerson, from Dillon, South Carolina for assault in the first degree and robbery.

On January 8, 2021, Harford County Sheriff’s Detectives responded to Mercy Hospital for the report of anassault that had occurred earlier in Belcamp. Detectives interviewed the victim who indicated that she met a man online and agreed to meet him in Harford County. During the course of their interaction, the suspect strangled the victim and forced her to send him money through Cash App. The victim later provided phone numbers to Detectives and positively identified Brian Summerson through a photo array as her attacker. Detectives further discovered that Mr. Summerson was arrested in Florida after this incident for a similar crime and a Federal warrant had been issued for an alleged kidnapping in Tennessee.

Mr. Summerson was extradited to Harford County where he stood trial. Following a four-day bench trial in front of the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney, Mr. Summerson was convicted of assault in the first degree and robbery. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 13, 2022 where he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years incarceration.

“This was a horrible crime that has forever changed the victim’s life and I hope this conviction provides some closure for her,” said Harford County State’s Attorney Albert Peisinger, Jr. “As this case confirms, we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of justice in Harford County, no matter where the perpetrators are from or where they may go. There is no place other than prison for people who come into our community and commit violent crime.”

Mr. Peisinger thanked the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their response and investigation and Assistant State’s Attorneys Cyndi Adkins and Toi Mason for their advocacy that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Summerson.