Tag Archives: Murder

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.

ABERDEEN MAN GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED SECOND-DEGREE MURDER

BEL AIR, MARYLAND (October 12, 2023) – State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey announced that
Sean Leigh Sconion, 33, of Aberdeen, Maryland pled guilty and was sentenced to 25 years of incarceration for Attempted Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm by a Felon on October 10, 2023.

The charges originated from a shooting that occurred at TB3 Bar & Grill located at 705 S. Philadelphia Boulevard in Aberdeen on March 4, 2022. Officers from the Aberdeen Police Department responded to TB3 and located the victim with two gunshot wounds to the abdomen. He was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview for emergency treatment. The suspect was described as a black male wearing an orange coat. Video from TB3 showed the victim opening the front door of the bar allowing Sconion to exit. The two had a verbal exchange related to the victim holding the door open for Sconion, and both individuals entered the bar. Sconion exited the door a short time later followed closely by the victim, and Sconion was observed retrieving a handgun from his waistband, turning toward the victim, and firing two rounds at the victim at close distance. Sconion fled the scene on foot and was picked up by a vehicle operated by Otis Lavelle Huff, also of Aberdeen.

The Honorable Paul W. Ishak accepted the plea agreement imposing 30 years suspending all but 20 years to serve for Attempted Second Degree Murder, 15 years suspending all but 5 years consecutive for Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence to be served without the possibility of parole, and 10 years all suspended and consecutive to the other sentences for the Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm for a total of 55 years with all but 25 years suspended, 5 of which are without the possibility of parole. Sconion will be on five years of supervised probation upon any release from incarceration. This sentence exceeds the Maryland sentencing guidelines recommended in this case.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey commented on the plea: “Once again, the State’s Attorney’s Office for Harford County under my administration was able to remove a violent offender from the city of Aberdeen and Harford County. Despite the horrific actions of the Defendant in this case, I am sincerely grateful that the victim recovered from his injuries. The substantial and meaningful sentence in this case, in large part, is credited to the cooperation of the victim, who thankfully recovered from his injuries, and the hard work of the members of the Aberdeen Police Department during the investigation. This sentence structure ensures that the Defendant serves as much time as possible with consecutive sentences and a portion of it being without the possibility of parole.”

Ms. Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney David W. Ryden for his advocacy in obtaining a sentence above the recommended guidelines. She also thanks Lieutenant Persuhn, Corporal Shoffstall, and the Aberdeen
Police Department for their investigation leading to Sconion’s identification and arrest. Sconion’s coDefendant Huff pled guilty in 2022 to being an Accessory After the Fact and was sentenced to 5 years of incarceration for his role.

ABERDEEN MAN CONVICTED OF VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER AND CARRYING A CONCEALED DANGEROUS WEAPON

Frank George Hudson, III, 21, of Aberdeen, Maryland was convicted on April 3, 2023 of Voluntary Manslaughter and Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Weapon, following a five-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Harford County. The case originated following an investigation by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Christopher Kerfoot near his home in the 1200 block of Agora Drive in Bel Air, Maryland, on July 8, 2021.

Evidence presented at trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin established that the victim’s brother was awakened shortly before 5:00 a.m. at their residence in the 1200 block of Athens Court. Christopher Kerfoot had suffered stab wounds to his upper torso, and he was able to tell his brother prior to dying that “Frank did it.” The investigation identified Hudson as the suspect, known to both the victim and his brother. Hudson was arrested at his residence in the 1400 block of Pannell Drive that evening, where a knife was located in a nearby dumpster.

Following his arrest, Hudson was interviewed by Harford County Sheriff’s Office investigators and stated that he believed he was meeting a juvenile female with whom he was communicating via SnapChat. Hudson testified in his own defense that the victim approached him, instead of the female, and a physical altercation took place inside and outside of his vehicle. The victim was stabbed three times and bitten on the upper left arm. The victim left the area on foot, arriving at his residence nearby where he succumbed to his injuries.

Forensic evidence determined that the victim’s DNA was found on Hudson’s driver’s side door, and Hudson’s DNA was found on the knife recovered near his residence. A digital forensic analysis of the victim’s phone revealed that it had been recently used to message Hudson using the female’s name to arrange the meeting at that location.

After the verdict, Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks requested Judge Adkins-Tobin to continue to hold Hudson at the Harford County Detention Center without bail. Hudson faces up to ten years of incarceration for Voluntary Manslaughter and an additional three years for the conviction regarding the weapon. Judge Adkins-Tobin ordered that a Pre-Sentence Investigation and a psychological evaluation be conducted on Hudson for consideration during sentencing and stated that sentencing will be scheduled in approximately six weeks.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey said after the jury’s verdict: “Nothing can bring Christopher Kerfoot back, but today’s verdict is justice for Christopher and for his family that was present for the entire trial. This was a difficult case to try without eyewitnesses, but my office will always vigorously pursue truth and justice with the use of the physical evidence. I commend our prosecutors and staff in this case for preparing this case for trial so quickly after having it reassigned to them following the beginning of my term in office in January. It demonstrates their skill, work ethic, and tenacity.”

Ms. Healey thanks Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy B. Brooks and Deputy State’s Attorney David W. Ryden for their advocacy and their care and attention to the victim’s family in this case. In addition, she thanks Deputy First Class Tatum, Detective Smith, and Detective Pilachowski, for their roles in attempting life-saving measures for the victim, swiftly identifying a suspect, and conducting a thorough investigation leading to Hudson’s arrest and conviction.

Baltimore Man Convicted of First Degree Murder

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: December 22, 2022
RE: Conviction and Sentencing of Milton Mondowney, III

(Bel Air, Maryland) — Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction and sentencing of Milton Mondowney, III, 31, from Baltimore, Maryland, for murder in the first degree and use of a firearm in commission of a felony and crime of violence.

On Monday, May 30, 2022 at 5:23 a.m., Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 1904 North Fountain Green Road, Apartment 203, in Bel Air, Maryland, for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located Corey Samuels, 23, deceased as a result of multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and head. Detectives responded to the scene and began an investigation. Witness interviews and surveillance from the apartment complex revealed that Milton Mondowney, III, entered the apartment and shot Corey Samuels multiple times.

On December 14, 2022, Milton Mondowney, III, pled guilty to murder in the first degree and use of a firearm in commission of a felony and crime of violence. Following victim impact statements made by Mr. Samuels’ parents and siblings, the Honorable Kevin Mahoney sentenced Mr. Mondowney to life suspend all but forty years to serve for the first-degree murder of Corey Samuels, and a concurrent twenty years suspend all but five years without parole to serve for the use of a firearm in commission of a felony and crime of violence. Upon completion of those sentences, Mr. Mondowney will be subject to five years of supervised probation.

“Senseless acts of violence in our communities will not be tolerated,” said Harford County State’s Attorney Albert J. Peisinger, Jr. “I am very proud of the work that my office and the Sheriff’s Office did to hold Mr. Mondowney accountable for this tragedy in the name of pursuing justice for the victim and his family.”

Mr. Peisinger expressed gratitude to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their response and thorough investigation, as well as to Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Fitzpatrick, whose diligence and advocacy led to the conviction of Mr. Mondowney.

Edgewood Woman Receives Four Consecutive Life Sentences Plus Twenty Years from May 2019 Arson

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced Judge Paul Ishak has sentenced Bobbie Sue Hodge to four consecutive life sentences plus twenty years. The Defendant received a life sentence for each felony murder, five years for the assault in the second degree on Brenda Ayres, five years for the assault in the second degree on Dustin Gerhart, and ten years for the assault in the second degree on Marquise St. John, who suffered a broken ankle and arm from jumping out of the third-floor window to escape the fire.
A Harford County jury found Bobbie Sue Hodge, 63, of Edgewood, Maryland, guilty of arson in the first degree, four counts of felony murder, and three counts of assault in the second degree stemming from an arson that occurred on May 9, 2019, at 1862 Simons Court in Edgewood, Maryland. Ms. Hodge was facing a maximum penalty of four life sentences plus 30 years.

On May 9, 2019, at 2:28 a.m., a third-floor occupant of the dwelling, Ernest Lee, called 911 to report a fire at 1862 Simons Court. Members of the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department were the first engine to respond to the fire. By 2:35 a.m., when the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department arrived, the third floor of the townhouse was completely engulfed in fire. Abingdon Volunteer Fire Department, Bel Air Volunteer Fire Department, Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire Department, and Baltimore County-Kingsville Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the fire.

Ernest Lee, Dionne Hill, and Kimberly Shupe who were all on the third floor, perished in the fire. Another third-floor occupant was able to escape the fire by jumping out of his third-floor bedroom window. He sustained a broken ankle and arm. The Defendant and two other basement occupants were able to escape to safety. Mary Elizabeth Kennedy who was living on the second floor was rescued by fire personnel and transported to an area hospital for treatment of her burns. Ms. Kennedy later died from her injuries on January 22, 2020.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosions, and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation of the fire. After interviewing numerous witnesses including the occupants of the house, neighbors, and the Defendant, review of the 911 calls, and consulting with experts at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosions, the Defendant was arrested for arson and murder.

“This tragedy shocked our Harford County community,” said Mr. Peisinger. “It is my hope that this verdict and now sentence is a step towards healing for the surviving victims and the families of those who lost loved ones.” Mr. Peisinger thanked the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosions, and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their joint efforts in the investigation and arrest of Bobbie Sue Hodge. He also thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys Angela Diehl and Timothy Doory for their extraordinary advocacy that resulted in the verdict.

Harford County Man Sentenced in 2020 Shooting

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: March 31, 2022
RE: Benjamin Murdy Sentenced

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced that Benjamin Murdy, 45, of Street, Maryland, receive a sentence on March 30, 2022, of life suspend all but 48 years to serve at the Division of Corrections and five years of probation upon his release. The sentence follows Murdy’s August 20, 2021, conviction for five individual counts of attempted first degree murder and related charges, as well as animal cruelty.

On January 21, 2020, at approximately 6:52 p.m., Corporal Brian Wyzga, Senior Deputy Jason Flemmens, Deputy Nathan Schnitzlein and Deputy Nicholas Lastner from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of 4509 Oak Ridge Drive, in Street, Maryland for a report that Benjamin Murdy had shot the family dog and was in the house with the gun.

As the deputies moved towards the house, Mr. Murdy started shooting at them. The deputies took cover at various locations in the neighborhood, however, Mr. Murdy continued to fire shots at them for approximately 60 minutes. The deputies did not return fire. During the course of the encounter, Mr. Murdy shot Mr. Robert Schell, a neighbor across the street from the house as a well as a patrol vehicle and truck.

Mr. Murdy then finally surrendered to the deputies. A search of his house resulted in the recovery of an AR-15 and a .40 caliber handgun. Casings and ammunition were also recovered. There were three fired casings in the backyard and 195 fired casings in the driveway. During the search, the deputies also discovered Cora, the family dog, tied to the deck and shot multiple times.

During an interview, Mr. Murdy admitted shooting the dog because it would not stop barking. He further stated that he intended to kill the deputies as they approached the house.

The Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney sentenced Mr. Murdy to life suspend all but 40 years to serve with five years of probation for each of the five counts of attempted first degree murder and made each sentence concurrent to one another. The Court further added an additional 20 years suspending all but five years on a related count for a firearms offense. Mr. Murdy was sentenced to an additional three years to be served consecutively for animal cruelty bringing the total sentence to life suspend all but 48 years to serve at the Division of Corrections.

The State’s Attorney again thanked all responding Harford County Sheriff’s Deputies and emergency personnel for their response and investigation. Mr. Peisinger said, “Our law enforcement partners risk their lives every day to protect our community. Let this serve as a reminder that anyone who puts them in harms way will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.” Mr. Peisinger further thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Fitzpatrick for his advocacy that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Murdy.

Baltimore Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: March 30, 2022

RE: Murder Conviction

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced that on March 29, 2022, a Harford County jury found Sherron Garrett, from Baltimore, Maryland, guilty of murder in the first degree, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, and possession of a regulated firearm by a person with a felony conviction, following a multi-day trial before the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney. Sentencing is set for June 9, 2022.

On September 29, 2019, Harford County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 1931 Edgewater Drive for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located Deandre Sellers, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by deputies and emergency services personnel, Mr. Sellers succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Detectives responded to the scene and began an investigation. Witnesses at the scene revealed to investigators that Mr. Sellers was involved in a verbal altercation earlier that day which ended with a threat of violence against him. A further argument was reported at approximately 6:55 that evening just before three gunshots rang out.

Investigators located and collected three shell casings from the scene of the murder, as well as a cleaning rod to an SKS assault rifle. Seven days later, the SKS assault rifle itself was found by a concerned citizen and reported to law enforcement. Investigators were able to recover a fingerprint from tape around the gun and matched that fingerprint to Sheron Garrett. Further forensic testing by the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division confirmed this weapon fired the casings at the murder scene. Mr. Garrett denied having been in Harford County on September 29 or for months prior, but cell data analysis provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation demonstrated that he traveled from his home in Baltimore City to scene of the murder at the time of the shooting.

“The actions of Sheron Garrett were shocking, brutal and not only took a life, but victimized an entire neighborhood,” said Harford County State’s Attorney Albert Peisinger, Jr. “It is my hope that this verdict brings a measure of justice to the family of the victim of this callous and senseless act. As this case shows, my Office, together with our Federal, State and Local law enforcement partners, will continue to use all available tools to solve crimes and hold violent offenders accountable.”

Mr. Peisinger further thanked the jurors who deliberated the case. He also praised the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as all other first responders for their efforts in rendering aid at the scene and for the extensive investigation that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Garrett. Additionally, he commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Jason Allen and Charles Fitzpatrick for their exceptional advocacy in this highly complex case that resulted in this guilty verdict.