Tag Archives: Edgewood

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.

NOTTINGHAM MAN CONVICTED IN 2022 EDGEWOOD MURDER

EDGEWOOD MAN RECEIVES MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR SECOND DEGREE MURDER

DATE: August 9, 2024
RE: UPDATE – Sentencing in State v Alton William Cumbo Jr.

On August 8, 2024, Alton William Cumbo Jr., 30, of Edgewood was sentenced by the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin following his February 2024 convictions for Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence, and Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm by a Prohibited Person with a Felony Conviction. During sentencing, the State argued for, and the Judge imposed, the maximum possible sentence of seventy-five (75) years to serve, twenty (20) years of which are without the possibility of parole. This sentence is an upward deviation from the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which were calculated to be twenty-five (25) to forty (40) years to serve.

During his sentencing, considering the Defendant’s criminal history and the facts of this case, Judge Adkins-Tobin noted that he was not a candidate for rehabilitation, as nothing the Court could do would deter him from further criminal behavior, and therefore, a sentence had to be crafted that would protect the community from this person who is a threat and a danger.

During the same appearance in court, Judge Adkins-Tobin also sentenced Cumbo on a Violation of Probation stemming from convictions for Second Degree Assault and Theft Under $100 in 2014. On the Violation of Probation, the Defendant received a sentence of seven years and six months to serve, just one month shy of the maximum sentence he could have received in that case.

The sentence in the Second Degree Murder case and the sentence in the Violation of Probation case were ordered to be served consecutively to each other for a total of eighty-two (82) years and six (6) months. These sentences were also ordered to be served consecutively to any outstanding unserved sentences both in Harford County and other jurisdictions.

Following the sentencing hearing State’s Attorney Alison Healey issued the following statement, “I am incredibly proud of the tremendous work by Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Allen to ensure this maximum sentence today. As stated by the Court, Alton Cumbo is not a candidate for rehabilitation or someone that will be deterred from future criminal behaviors. His criminal conduct tragically took the life of a Harford County citizen, and that simply will not be tolerated. My office will continue to pursue aggressive and above guidelines sentences for anyone who commits acts of violence in our community. Today, I hope the victim’s family can be at peace and feel as though justice was served in knowing that the person responsible for their terrible loss will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

State’s Attorney Healey also thanks Detective Moro and Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts that led to this successful prosecution. She also expresses gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the State Medical Examiner for their cooperation in furthering this investigation. Finally, she acknowledges the emergency responders that responded to the scene and made every effort to save the life of this victim.

EDGEWOOD MAN FOUND GUILTY OF POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE AND FIREARMS CHARGES FOLLOWING A THREE-DAY JURY TRIAL

DRUG DEALER SENTENCED OVER GUIDELINES – TWENTY YEARS TO SERVE

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Ronald Sullivan, 49, of Edgewood, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics and was sentenced to twenty years, suspend all but fifteen years to serve. This case also triggered a Violation of Probation in a 2011 Possession with Intent to Distribute case and Sullivan was sentenced to an additional five years to serve consecutively for a total of twenty years of active incarceration.

This case stemmed from a fatal overdose investigation on August 2, 2023. Through the investigation conducted by the Harford County Drug Taskforce, it was revealed that the victim was in contact with Sullivan the night before the overdose, exchanging messages that clearly pertained to a drug purchase. Sullivan was apprehended and found to be in possession of cocaine on his person at the time of his arrest. Following the arrest, further investigation linked another deceased victim to Sullivan, indicating they had also purchased illegal substances from him in July 2023, which ultimately led to their death.

Assistant State’s Attorney Stuart Welch argued that due to the facts and circumstances surrounding this case and considering that this involved the death of two people, an upward deviation from the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which were calculated at four to twelve years, was warranted.

Following sentencing State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “Drug distribution in not a victimless crime. Too often our community members lose loved ones to the poison that is being peddled on our streets by individuals with no regard for human life or the laws by which we are required to live. Overdose cases can be incredibly challenging, and I am proud of Assistant State’s Attorney Welch and his efforts to ensure that the families of these two victims received closure in their loss. We will continue to aggressively pursue the maximum charges allowable by law to ensure that a strong message is sent to anyone that is considering dealing drugs in our community.” State’s Attorney Healey also thanks the members of Harford County Drug Taskforce for all their hard work investigating overdose cases and for aggressively pursuing drug dealers in Harford County. The work they do each and every day is invaluable in assuring the public safety of our community.

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.

EDGEWOOD MAN CONVICTED OF MURDER

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Alton Cumbo, 30, of Edgewood, was found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, and Illegal Possession of a Firearm following a five day jury trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on December 10, 2021, deputies responded to Dembytown Road in Joppa for reports of a single vehicle accident. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim slumped over in the driver’s seat. While attempting to revive him, the EMS team discovered a bullet wound just under his right eye. Although they were initially able to get a pulse, the victim was pronounced deceased within one hour of the call for service. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy, and they determined that his death was, in fact, caused by the gunshot wound and ruled it a homicide. During the course of their investigation, Harford County Sheriff’s Office detectives found belligerent text messages sent to the victim’s phone from a person listed as “Reject P” who was quickly identified to be the Defendant, Alton Cumbo. Law enforcement obtained further cellular phone data that placed Cumbo in the area of the murder at the time of the crime. This was later confirmed through collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Following his arrest, Cumbo divulged information regarding the murder to other detainees while incarcerated. Detectives were able to confirm the information provided to those inmates. That evidence was presented in trial and also led to the charging a co-defendant who assisted Cumbo in fleeing the scene of the murder. Cumbo continues to be held without bail pending sentencing in this case, which is currently scheduled for April 22, 2024.

Following the trial, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey stated, “I am immensely proud of the work my office is doing everyday in putting violent criminals, like Alton Cumbo, behind bars. Our community should not be subjected to violence such as this and is safer today with this successful verdict. We will continue to uphold our responsibility to this community by holding violent offenders accountable and removing them from our communities. I hope that this conviction brings some closure to the victim’s family and am grateful that our office has taken another murderer off our streets.”

State’s Attorney Healey commends Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Allen for his tremendous effort in obtaining this conviction and for his skilled trial work throughout the course of these proceedings. She also thanks Detective Moro, Detective Wilsynski, and all the members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office that participated in the investigation of this case, which ultimately led to the successful prosecution of this Defendant.

EDGEWOOD WOMAN SENTENCED TO LIFE-60 YEARS TO SERVE FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER

On Monday, December 18, 2023 Ashley Pearl Zentz, 36, of Edgewood, appeared in the Circuit Court of Harford County for sentencing following her conviction for First Degree Murder after a six-day jury trial in October of this year. The state requested a sentence of life, suspend all but 72 years to serve and 5 years for the Motor Vehicle Theft count, running consecutively.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Zentz to Life, suspend all but 60 years to serve. Additionally, she was sentenced to 5 years for the Motor Vehicle Theft count in the same case, which will run concurrently with the sentence above. A previous press release indicated these charges followed an incident in February 2022 where 71-year-old Gerald Champ was murdered in his home. His death was later determined to be the result of blunt force trauma to the skull.

Following the sentencing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey offered the following comment: “This significant sentence is a huge victory for the safety of Harford County and removes a violent murderer from our community for decades to come. I commend Mr. Champ’s daughter for her courage in delivering such a graceful and sincere victim impact statement during sentencing. It is my sincere hope that this sentence provides some closure to Mr. Champ’s entire
family and affords them some peace in knowing the person responsible for his death was brought to justice.”

Ms. Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her continued advocacy for the victim throughout the many stages of this case and for her efforts in securing this significant sentence.

EDGEWOOD WOMAN GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER FOLLOWING 6 DAY JURY TRIAL

Date: October 23, 2023
Re: State of Maryland vs. Ashley Pearl Zentz

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, Ashley Pearl Zentz, 34, of Edgewood, was found guilty of First Degree Murder and Motor Vehicle Theft, following a six-day jury trial in the Harford County Circuit Court.
During the trial, evidence was presented before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin that on Friday, February 18, 2022, at approximately 7:56 a.m., Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call at 2310 Perry Avenue in Edgewood, Maryland, after 71-year-old Gerald Champ was discovered deceased by his daughter inside his home. Family members had not been able to reach Mr. Champ for days prior to the discovery and further reported his 2003 Ford Explorer to be missing from the residence. An autopsy revealed the homicide occurred as a result of blunt force trauma, with prong-like defects embedded in the skull, including multiple skull fractures, and defensive wounds to his hands and arms.

Detectives Golden and Gividen assumed the case, locating a crowbar in the victim’s home, and it was identified as the murder weapon. Through the course of the investigation, suspects were developed, including Ashley Pearl Zentz, who knew the victim and his family for over twenty years. Family members of the victim located the victim’s missing Ford Explorer abandoned in Baltimore County near a home invasion in which Zentz and the same co-defendant were involved which occurred within 24 hours of when the victim was believed to have been murdered. A silver Infiniti QX80 stolen during the Baltimore County home invasion was later recovered less than one mile from Zentz’s parents’ home. Forensic evidence, including DNA, cell phone downloads, and surveillance video, linked Zentz to the Harford County murder and the Baltimore County home invasion.

Following the jury’s verdict, Zentz was returned to the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup, Maryland where she is currently serving a sentence for her conviction in the Baltimore County home invasion case. She will be sentenced for the conviction for First Degree Murder of Mr. Champ and Motor Vehicle Theft of his vehicle by Judge Adkins-Tobin on Monday, December 18, 2023.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey said after the conviction: “I send my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Champ for their loss. While I know nothing can ever bring him back to them, it is my sincere hope that, despite a long and challenging court process, these convictions will bring them some closure. Our office will continue to fight for justice for all victims of crime in Harford County, and today we are happy that we have brought justice to Mr. Champ’s family for this senseless act of violence that took the life of their loved one.”
Ms. Healey commends Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her preparation, advocacy, and most importantly, her vigorous pursuit of justice in this case. She also thanks Detectives Golden and Gividen and the other members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Criminal Investigations Division involved in this case for their hard work and investigation. Finally, she thanks all the State’s Attorney’s Office Staff that worked together with Deputy State’s Attorney Manners to assist in diligently preparing this case for trial.