Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Dejuan Mitchell
Age :34
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 06/29/2023
Location : Unknown
City : Waldorf
County : Charles
State : Maryland
Agency : Charles County SO
Officer(s) : Unknown
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Driver killed by police chase crash after assault, possible carjacking
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Charles County deputies responded to the 11900 block of Acton Lane in Waldorf for reports of a woman being assaulted by a man in a parking lot and a possible carjacking. Police took up chase. The vehicle soon struck a grass median, crossed into the northbound lanes and collided with a dump truck. Dejuan James Mitchell died.
SOURCE LINKS :
Gregory Keith Roland
Age :57
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 06/21/2023
Location : 3600 block of Crain Highway
City : Charles County
County : Charles
State : Maryland
Agency : Charles County SO
Officer(s) : Joseph Huston
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Pedestrian killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
A deputy with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) struck and killed a pedestrian in the 3600 block of Crain Highway on 06/21/2023.
SOURCE LINKS :
Jack Cimino Jr
Age :52
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 06/03/2023
Location : 1200 block of Liberty Rd
City : Eldersburg
County : Carroll
State : Maryland
Agency : Maryland State Police, SWAT
Officer(s) : Jesse Hartsock
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during investigation
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Jack Cimino Jr. called a crisis hotline threatening self-harm which led to being besieged by police. He allegedly came to the door with an object pointed at police which is when he was shot by the trooper and killed.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/fatal-police-shooting-carroll-county-under-investigation/44093015#
Lawrence Kutrelle White
Age :37
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 05/20/2023
Location : I-270
City : Rockville
County : Montgomery
State : Maryland
Agency : Montgomery County SO
Officer(s) : Sgt Brett Trahan, Kyle Baxter, Jonathan Johnson, Quinton Bowles
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Officers with the Montgomery County PD were sent on a welfare check of a man seen asleep in a car on the ramp of Rockledge Road around 5 a.m. The man managed to back up and flee and was chased at high speeds by Montgomery County deputies until crashing. The man was then ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene.
The officers are identified as Sergeant Brett Trahan, a 29-year veteran; Police Officer III Kyle Baxter, a 9-year veteran; Police Officer III Jonathan Johnson, a 5-year veteran; and Police Officer Quinton Bowles.
SOURCE LINKS :
Name Not Disclosed
Age :
Gender :Male
Race : Unknown
Date : 05/20/2023
Location : I-270
City : Rockledge
County : Montgomery
State : Maryland
Agency : Montgomery County PD
Officer(s) : Unknown
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Police chase resulting in fatal 2-vehicle crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Montgomery County police officers received a call about a car parked in the middle lane of the Rockledge Road ramp with an intoxicated man inside. He allegedly had a gun in his car and drove away. Montgomery County deputies escalated a chase and the vehicle crashed south of Route 28 on I-270, killing the driver.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/05/20/man-dies-crash-i-270-after-police-chase/
Linda Moss
Age :74
Gender :Female
Race : White
Date : 03/27/2023
Location : 5000 block of Roland Rd
City : Roland Park
County : Baltimore City
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore PD
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Passenger killed by police chase
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Baltimore Police said officers tried to pull the vehicle over around 11:50 p.m. Saturday at the 1000 block of West North Avenue in Reservoir Hill because the ALPR alerted them of a connection with a crime elsewhere. The man driving the vehicle fled. With Baltimore PD escalating a chase, the driver eventually lost control and struck a parked car, then crashed into a tree in the 5000 block of Roland Avenue in Roland Park. His 74-year-old wife Linda Moss who had been in the passenger seat next to him died.
SOURCE LINKS :
Daniel Clark
Age :73
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 03/06/2023
Location : St. Luke’s Rd+ Route 13 bypass
City : Fruitland
County : Wicomico
State : Maryland
Agency : Maryland State Police
Officer(s) : Kevin Moore
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Killed in crash with state trooper
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Maryland State Police on March 6, tried to remove a disabled car from a median. Corporal Kevin Moore, who was on-duty and driving his agency-issued marked Ram truck to the scene, for reasons police could not explain, in the process hit Clark who was driving a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. This first crash caused a chain reaction with the Ridgeline crashing into a 2007 Honda Accord afterward. MSP states that third party motorist 73-year-old Daniel Clark who had been hit by the trooper was taken to the hospital where he died 9 days later from injuries.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.wmdt.com/2023/03/salisbury-crash-involving-msp-trooper-under-investigation/
Joseph Sherill
Age :44
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 03/04/2023
Location : 1500 block of NE Street
City : Frederick
County : Frederick
State : Maryland
Agency : Robert Hess, Fahad Mirza
Officer(s) : Frederick PD
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during arrest
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Frederick PD arrived to arrest Joseph Sherill on a probation violation. Officers Robert Hess and Fahad Mirza barged into the residence and shot and killed him, alleging that he had had a knife. BWC images show him cowering defensively in a closet. It is not clear why officers shot him.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://wtop.com/frederick-county/2023/03/man-killed-by-frederick-md-police-during-warrant-arrest/
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2023/030523.pdf
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/frederick-police-shooting-fatal/43201497#
https://www.wmar2news.com/local/body-cam-footage-shows-frederick-police-shooting-knife-wielding-man
Alfred Fincher
Age :54
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 02/08/2023
Location : E North Ave
City : Baltimore
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore PD
Officer(s) : Unknown
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Pedestrian killed by police chase that also caused building collapse
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
At8:54 p.m. Wednesday night, officers reportedly chased a stolen vehicle in the E. North Avenue corridor of Baltimore until the vehicle struck another vehicle and both vehicles crashed into a building at the intersection of E. North Avenue and Wolfe Street causing the building to collapse. Before hitting the building, the vehicle killed pedestrian Alfred Fincher who was also hit by debris from the collapsed building and died. The footage of the crash and building collapse is linked below. The officer was cleared on 11/14/2023 and his actions that led to this were Justified by the DA.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/02/09/Baltimore-Fatal-Police-Chase-Investigation/1811675934985/
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/video-fatal-crash-building-collapse-east-baltimore-chase/43161709
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/officers-wont-be-charged-in-pursuit-ahead-of-februarys-deadly-crash-building-collapse-in-east-baltimore/
Video of crash and building collapse:
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/fatal-car-crash-building-collapse-east-baltimore-footage-state-investigation/
Brian McCourry
Age :37
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 01/31/2023
Location : 10700 block of Pulaski Highway
City : White Marsh
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore County Police Department, Criminal Apprehension Support Team (CAST)
Officer(s) : Det. J. Trenary
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Shot to death while being served warrants
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On January 31, 2023, at approximately 6:07 a.m., Baltimore County Police Department's Criminal Apprehension Support Team (CAST) conducted surveillance on an SUV occupied by 37-year-old Brian Roger McCourry Jr., who had multiple outstanding warrants. The vehicle was parked in the 10700 block of Pulaski Highway in White Marsh.
.
Detective J. Trenary opened fire, hitting McCourry in his vehicle. He drove away after the shooting and collided with a civilian vehicle. McCourry was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died. The Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division is reviewing the case.
.
TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES:
1 fatality: Brian Roger McCourry Jr.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-ags-oversight-team-opens-investigation-into-baltimore-county-police-shooting/
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/man-dies-following-officer-involved-shooting-in-white-marsh
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/heavy-police-presence-in-white-marsh
https://dailyvoice.com/maryland/baltimore/news/police-id-man-killed-in-white-marsh-police-involved-shooting/858254/
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/IID/Reports/013123_IID_Report.pdf
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2023/030423.pdf
Dejuan Mitchell
Age :34
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 01/23/2023
Location : Unknown
City : Waldorf
County : Charles
State : Maryland
Agency : Charles County SO
Officer(s) : Unknown
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Killed by police chase after failed traffic stop
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
The Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) were chasing Dejuan Mitchell who had allegedly hit a parked car and driven off around 4 a.m. in Waldorf. When police attempted to stop him, he did not pull over and "within seconds" he "lost control of his truck and crashed" per deputies. He died on the one-year anniversary of the date when the same Waldorf PD had hunted Inga Person into a fatal crash. No officers were charged.
SOURCE LINKS :
Aaron Fifi Onomah Mensah
Age :34
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 11/29/2022
Location : 5800 block of Zoe Lane
City : Frederick
County : Frederick
State : Maryland
Agency : Frederick County SO
Officer(s) : Cassy Boettcher, Travis Stely, Nathan McLeroy
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during reported stabbing
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Frederick County deputies arrived at the scene of a stabbing in Frederick, MD, finding the mother of Aaron Fifi Onomah Mensah injured with multiple stab wounds and the father deceased from many stab wounds. The attacker had been their son Aaron Mensah. A large police presence gathered in the area and when Mensah was sighted, he was shot dead.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://news.yahoo.com/updated-man-stabs-parents-killing-002300370.html?guccounter=1
http://gajreport.com/stabbing-suspect-aaron-mensah-shot-and-killed-by-frederick-county-deputies/
Tyree Moorehead
Age :46
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 11/06/2022
Location : W Lafayette Street and N Fulton Avenue
City : Baltimore
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore PD
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during investigation
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Baltimore PD responded to a call about a person holding an unspecified weapon. Police allege Tyree Moorehead held a knife and was assaulting someone who was down on the ground. Police shot and killed him
SOURCE LINKS :
Bryan Coupal
Age :75
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 09/19/2022
Location : 4700 block of Oglethorpe St
City : Riverdale Park
County : Prince George
State : Maryland
Agency : Riverdale Park PD
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Riverdale Park PD arrived at a call about a suicidal person with access to guns. He allegedly aimed a gun at an officer and was shot and killed. No BWC has been released.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62S2aJmn6K4
https://patch.com/maryland/bowie/body-worn-camera-footage-officer-involved-shooting-released
https://patch.com/maryland/bowie/officer-involved-shooting-under-investigation-md-attorney-general
Anthony Hopkins
Age :48
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 09/17/2022
Location : 4100 block of Sands Rd
City : Harwood
County : Anne Arundel
State : Maryland
Agency : Anne Arundel County PD
Officer(s) : Z. Devers, K. Slayton, B. Dehn, M. Hanlon, J. Metcalf
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during domestic violence call
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Ann Arundel County PD responded to domestic violence calls from Hopkins’ wife and from his son about assault and weapon threats. Officers arrived and allege that Hopkins fired at them. Police claim he pointed the gun at them. They shot and killed him.
SOURCE LINKS :
Hamed Ghourounidelcheh
Age :35
Gender :Male
Race : Middle Eastern
Date : 07/20/2022
Location : 100 block of Garth Terrace
City : Gaithersburg
County : Montgomery
State : Maryland
Agency : Montgomery County SO
Officer(s) : Domenic Mash
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during arrest
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Montgomery County deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for Hamed Ghourounidelcheh and shot and killed him for undisclosed reasons in the process.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://patch.com/maryland/gaithersburg/man-killed-officer-involved-shooting-gaithersburg-identified
Terry Harrell
Age :58
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 06/21/2022
Location : E Biddle St + N Milton Ave
City : Baltimore
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore PD
Officer(s) : Alexis Acosta
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Officer ran red light, causing fatal collision
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Officer Alexis Acosta ran a red light and hit and killed Terry Harrell who was on a scooter.
SOURCE LINKS :
Jonny Morris
Age :66
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 06/08/2022
Location : Harry S. Truman Dr + White House Rd
City : Upper Marlboro
County : Prince George
State : Maryland
Agency : Prince George County Sheriff’s Office
Officer(s) : Antionette Williams
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Third party motorist killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Corporal Antoinette Williams saw two stolen cars driving in the area of Harry S. Truman Drive and White House Road in Upper Marlboro and turned on lights and siren in an attempt to pull them over. The cars refused to stop.
One struck an oncoming vehicle head-on whose driver later died at an area hospital.
He's since been identified as 66-year-old Jonny Morris, of Brandywine.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/dashboard-camera-released-of-deadly-pg-county-police-chase
Joseph Robert Henry Thompson
Age :66
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 06/04/2022
Location : 500 block of Virginia Ave
City : Towson
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore County PD
Officer(s) : S. Johnson, C. Clapka, R.
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during investigation
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Baltimore police arrived at an unspecified call and claim that a man started firing at them. They shot and killed Joseph Robert Henry Thompson.
SOURCE LINKS :
Ralph Picarello III
Age :39
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 05/04/2022
Location : 900 block of Boundbrook Way
City : Essex
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore County PD
Officer(s) : D. Manning and E. Pellegrino
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during domestic violence call
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Police were called to the home of Ralph Picarello for a domestic violence call. Police claim that he had two knives and walked towards them. They shot and killed him in his home.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.zanninofuneralhome.com/obituary/Ralph-PicarelloIII#obituary
William Robert Brink
Age :24
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 04/25/2022
Location : Route 13+Perry Rd
City : Princess Anne
County : Somerset
State : Maryland
Agency : Somerset County SO, Maryland State Police
Officer(s) : Jason Dykes, Kevin Goepfert
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during arrest
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Somerset County deputies and Maryland State Police spotted William Robert Brink and felt that he matched the description of someone who had previously robbed a business. Police got into a shootout with him and he was shot and killed in a field.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/william-brink-obituary?id=34694745
https://www.wmdt.com/2022/04/one-dead-following-deputy-involved-shooting/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/body-camera-footage-released-fatal-182737966.html
https://apnews.com/article/business-maryland-3f2a7e25bceec554e24246e0493f3f22
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/04/man-killed-in-shootout-with-md-trooper-deputy-officials.html
John Raymond Fauver
Age :53
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 04/23/2022
Location : 1519 Rock Springs Rd
City : Forest Hill
County : Harford
State : Maryland
Agency : Harford County SO
Officer(s) : Bradford Sives, Christopher Maddox
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during traffic stop
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
John Raymond Fauver, a suicidal man, was holding a cane when he got out of the truck and pointed the cane at deputies. "It's a cane! It's a cane! It's a cane!" one deputy called to other officers who all pointed their guns and fired, killing the unarmed man. Police said he had a shotgun in his vehicle and it is not clear why this was brought up because Fauver never tried to use a weapon and it is legal to have shotguns in cars.
SOURCE LINKS :
Alicia Whisler
Age :32
Gender :Female
Race : White
Date : 04/05/2022
Location : 2700 block of Main Street
City : Caernarvon Township
County : Charles
State : Maryland
Agency : Maryland State Police
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Bystander killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Minnesota State Police chased a ehicle until it crashed into the car driven by 32-year-old Alicia Whisler, in the 2700 block of Main Street (Route 23) at 9:08 a.m., killing her. A 5-year-old girl was with her in her vehicle. She had been a local teacher.
SOURCE LINKS :
Darell McThanial Byrd
Age :50
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 03/11/2022
Location : St. Charles Parkway
City : Waldorf
County : Charles
State : Maryland
Agency : Charles County Sheriff's Office
Officer(s) : Officer Shayne Cannon, Officer Kenneth Barry, Officer Shawn Griffith
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Killed by police during pursuit
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 03/11/2022, Charles County Sheriff's deputies attempted to stop a vehicle driven by 50-year-old Darell Byrd after a hit-and-run call near Pine Cone Circle in Waldorf. Officer Shayne Cannon initiated the stop around 4:47 a.m. Byrd briefly complied, then drove away. Officers Kenneth Barry and Shawn Griffith escalated a pursuit, which lasted under one minute. Byrd's truck veered off St. Charles Parkway and crashed into trees. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General conducted an investigation and released dashcam footage. The Charles County State’s Attorney declined prosecution.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/man-connected-to-hit-and-run-crash-dies-during-police-pursuit-in-charles-county/65-ab561d25-03d6-41a3-83e8-a86e85133193
https://thebaynet.com/fatal-motor-vehicle-accident-on-st-charles-parkway-under-investigation/
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2022/031122.pdf
https://wtop.com/charles-county/2022/03/dashcam-footage-released-in-fatal-charles-co-police-pursuit/
https://southernmarylandchronicle.com/2022/11/23/investigative-report-released-for-marchs-fatal-police-pursuit-in-charles-county/
Noraly Paz Chavez
Age :26
Gender :Female
Race : Latino/a/e
Date : 02/26/2022
Location : North Bethesda
City : Wheaton
County : Montgomery
State : Maryland
Agency : Montgomery County PD
Officer(s) : Antonio Copeland
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Driver killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Noraly Paz Chavez, 26, allegedly drove away when Officer Antonio Copelandtried to perform a traffic stop because he felt she may be under the influence. He escalated a chase that ended when she lost control of her vehicle, crashed and died. The officer can be heard playing music while chasing her.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2022/03/footage-from-fatal-montgomery-co-police-pursuit-released/
Donnell Rochester
Age :18
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 02/19/2022
Location : 3200 Hillen Rd
City : Baltimore
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore PD
Officer(s) : Robert Mauri, Connor Murray
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during traffic stop
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 02/19/2022, Baltimore Police officers Robert Mauri and Antoine Galloway ran the tags on a Honda and identified the driver as Donnell Rochester, then broadcast over the radio that the registered owner had multiple open warrants. Officers followed the Honda, and Officer Connor Murray and Officer Joshua Lutz joined in a marked patrol vehicle.
***
On 02/19/2022 at about 3:13 p.m., officers located Rochester and the Honda near the 1800 block of Chilton Street near Hillen Road. Rochester was outside the vehicle for a short time, then got back into the driver seat as officers closed in on foot from multiple directions.
***
On 02/19/2022, Officer Murray ran down the center of the street toward the front of the Honda and positioned about 20 feet in front of it as the car began moving forward. Officer Murray fired three shots in quick succession into the moving vehicle. Those three shots struck the windshield and hood and did not hit Rochester.
***
On 02/19/2022 seconds later, body worn camera footage showed the Honda continuing forward and passing Officer Murray without hitting him. As the Honda moved past him, Officer Murray fired a fourth shot through the front passenger side window while he was falling. Investigators concluded the fatal wound pattern matched that fourth shot, with a round traveling through Rochester’s right arm and into the right upper chest.
***
On 02/19/2022 immediately after Officer Murray fired, Officer Mauri fired two shots from the sidewalk toward the Honda, with less than one second between Officer Murray’s final shot and Officer Mauri’s shots. Investigators reported neither of Officer Mauri’s shots struck Rochester.
On 02/19/2022 after the gunfire, Rochester exited the vehicle with his hands raised and then collapsed. He later died at a hospital. He had been unarmed. His warrants were all non-criminal for traffic violations and failure to appear for them. There were no felony warrants.
***
INVESTIGATION AND FINDINGS:
On 07/27/2022, the Maryland Attorney General Office Independent Investigations Division completed its report and later sent it to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. The Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division determined that the fatal fourth shot was fired after Murray had moved out of the vehicle’s path and the driver “no longer posed a threat.”They explicitly stated prosecutors could likely prove voluntary manslaughter based on that final shot timing. This is extremely rare language in an official police shooting review. IID public case log lists the case as complete on 07/27/2022 and it was specifically declined by the local State’s Attorney on 01/12/2023.
***
The IID report analyzed potential criminal charges and focused heavily on the timing and threat reassessment at the moment of the fatal fourth shot. A total of 6 shots were fired. The fourth shot was lethal. It was proven to have been fired when the car had already safely passed the officers and there was no threat to them. The report noted that video appeared to show Officer Murray dodging the car without being hit, and then firing the fourth shot as the car passed. The report also addressed whether the fatal fourth shot was intentional and stated investigators believed the State likely could prove it was intentional based on the body camera images and weapon positioning.
***
CHARGING DECISION AND WHETHER ANY OFFICERS WERE CHARGED:
On 01/12/2023, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates declined to file criminal charges against Officer Murray, despite the state IID analysis describing a scenario where prosecutors could argue offenses including voluntary manslaughter based on the final shot timing and necessity. Multiple outlets reported Bates concluded he could not overcome legal defenses and determined the officers acted lawfully under the circumstances as he evaluated them. No officer was criminally charged in this case based on the publicly reported decisions.
***
FAMILY RESPONSE AND PUBLIC PROTESTS:
On 03/25/2022, dozens of protesters marched from the Coldstream Homestead Montebello area to Baltimore City Hall demanding charges and accountability in Rochester’s death. Coverage described student involvement and Rochester’s mother Danielle Brown speaking publicly about her son and the impact on the family.
***
On 01/26/2023 and again around 01/29/2023, Rochester’s family and supporters demonstrated outside the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office after Bates declined prosecution. Danielle Brown publicly challenged the decision and criticized the choice not to charge after the IID findings.
***
CIVIL LAWSUIT AND CURRENT LITIGATION POSTURE:
In 2025, Danielle Brown filed a federal civil case in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against multiple defendants including the Baltimore Police Department and Officer Murray over claims arising from Rochester’s death. A memorandum opinion dated 10/08/2025 granted the City’s and the State’s motions to dismiss, and granted in part and denied in part the motions to dismiss filed by BPD and Officer Murray, allowing parts of the case to continue.
***
ADMINISTRATIVE STATUS AND DISCIPLINE:
Public reporting around the charging decision stated the involved officers were placed on administrative duty during the review period. I did not find a definitive public resolution stating final internal discipline outcomes in the sources reviewed.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://oag.maryland.gov/resources-info/Documents/pdfs/IID/021922_IID_Report.pdf
https://oag.maryland.gov/resources-info/Pages/police-involved-incidents.aspx
https://apnews.com/article/a900c50e67e01dc49b3d151b71f3be15
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/donnell-rochester-family-protest-officers-not-charged/42675842
https://www.wmar2news.com/local/mother-of-slain-teen-voices-frustration-with-saos-decision-to-not-pursue-case
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/protesters-march-to-baltimore-city-hall-demanding-justice-for-donnell-rochester
https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/maryland/mddce/1%3A2025cv01331/581378/36/
Dyonta Quarles Jr.
Age :20
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 01/30/2022
Location : 900 block of Danville Ct
City : Crofton
County : Anne Arundel
State : Maryland
Agency : Anne Arundel PD
Officer(s) : Jonathan Ricci
Cause of Death : Gunshot, taser
Event : Killed by police during domestic disturbance
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Anne Arundel PD officers were sent to a domestic disturbance, entered the home and tried to arrest Dyonta Quarles Jr. who fought back, was tasered and shot dead. He had been unarmed in his home when killed.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/obituaries/2022/02/dyonta-dj-quarles-jr/
Inga Pearson
Age :52
Gender :Female
Race : White
Date : 01/20/2022
Location : St. Charles Parkway and St. Ignatius Drive
City : St. Charles
County : Charles
State : Maryland
Agency : Chad Irwin
Officer(s) : Chad Irwin
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Bystander killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, allege that the car pulled into a parking lot but reversed. The car left the parking lot at a high rate of speed and deputies escalated a chase which led to a crash with a third-party vehicle. The fleeing driver was injured but third-party driver Inga Pearson, 52, of Washington, DC was found near her vehicle with life-threatening injuries and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
SOURCE LINKS :
Osman Sesay
Age :27
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 12/29/2021
Location : Dartmouth Avenue and Wayne Avenue
City : Silver Spring
County : Montgomery
State : Maryland
Agency : Montgomery County Police Department
Officer(s) : Officer Nathan Lenhart, Officer Karli Dorsey, Officer Dennis Tejada, Officer Eric Kessler
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during traffic stop
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On December 29, 2021, at approximately 4:25 a.m., an off-duty Montgomery County Police Department officer was alerted to a shooting in front of a restaurant at 904 Bonifant Street in Silver Spring. The off-duty officer relayed a description of a white Mercedes-Benz to on-duty officers. At 4:29 a.m., officers observed the vehicle near Dartmouth Avenue and Wayne Avenue and conducted a traffic stop.
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During the stop, 27-year-old Osman Sesay exited the rear passenger side of the vehicle, contrary to officers' orders, and allegedly pointed a handgun at them. In response, four officers—Nathan Lenhart, Karli Dorsey, Dennis Tejada, and Eric Kessler—fired their weapons, striking Sesay. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division conducted an investigation and released body-worn camera footage. The Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and declined to file charges, concluding the officers' actions were justified.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/SAO/Resources/Files/Police-Involved_Fatal_Incident_Montgomery_County_December_29_2021.pdf
• https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/no-charges-for-montgomery-county-officers-in-2021-fatal-shooting/3084887/
• https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/silver-spring-officer-involved-shooting-investigation/65-406c54fb-0726-47cf-8d0c-83cb8756b1ce
• https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2022/062322a.pdf
• https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/maryland-attorney-general-brian-frosh-montgomery-county-police-body-worn-camera-fatal-shootout-video-osman-sesay-silver-spring
Digno "DJ" Ramon Yorro Jr.
Age :32
Gender :Male
Race : Latino/a/e
Date : 11/28/2021
Location : 1400 block Braden Loop
City : Glen Burnie
County : Anne Arundel
State : Maryland
Agency : Anne Arundel County Police Department
Officer(s) : Corporal Joseph Burger
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during a disturbance call
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On November 28, 2021, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Anne Arundel County Police officers responded to a 911 call reporting that a male family member, armed with a knife, had chased a woman from a residence in the 1400 block of Braden Loop in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
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Upon arrival, officers knocked on the door multiple times but received no response. They forcibly entered the home and encountered 32-year-old Digno "DJ" Ramon Yorro Jr., who was armed with a knife. Officers issued multiple commands for Yorro to drop the weapon, which he ignored. Non-lethal measures, including beanbag shotgun rounds and a Taser, were deployed but proved ineffective. Yorro then advanced towards the officers, still holding the knife, at which point Corporal Joseph Burger discharged his firearm, striking Yorro multiple times. Yorro was pronounced dead at the scene.
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During a subsequent search of the residence, officers discovered the body of Yorro's mother in the garage; she had suffered multiple stab wounds. The Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division conducted a review of the incident. In September 2022, the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office declined to file charges against the involved officers, determining that their actions were justified under the circumstances.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2021/121321a.pdf
• https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/video-shows-what-led-police-to-kill-a-knife-wielding-man-last-month-in-glen-burnie
• https://www.wbaltv.com/article/glen-burnie-police-shooting-report-no-prosecution/41134487
• https://www.police1.com/officer-shootings/articles/bodycam-video-shows-md-leo-fatally-shoot-knife-wielding-man-5ktS4TyDOGCHhn41/
• https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/police-cleared-in-deadly-shooting-of-armed-man-who-allegedly-killed-mother-last-year-in-glen-burnie
Name Not Disclosed
Age :
Gender :Male
Race : Unknown
Date : 11/28/2021
Location : Unknown
City : Unknown
County : Prince George's County
State : Maryland
Agency : Prince George’s County Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Driver killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 11/28/2021, an unidentified man was driving in Prince George’s County when police attempted a traffic stop and escalated a chase; during the pursuit the driver crashed and was killed at the scene, with authorities confirming the fatal crash occurred after the vehicle continued driving away from police.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/prince-georges-county/police-pursuit-ends-in-deadly-crash-in-prince-georges-county/2897220/
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/police-pursuit-deadly-crash-prince-georges-county/65-3b5c2c8f-4d45-4b9a-9a45-8f8f5a5b8f2b
https://www.fox5dc.com/news/police-pursuit-ends-in-deadly-crash-in-prince-georges-county
Isiah Smith
Age :28
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 11/21/2021
Location : Queens Chapel Road and Michigan Avenue NE
City : Chillum
County : Prince George's
State : Maryland
Agency : Prince George's County Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Driver killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On November 21, 2021, at approximately 10:55 p.m., a Prince George's County Police Department officer observed a silver Acura being driven erratically in the 3300 block of Queens Chapel Road in Mount Rainier, Maryland. The officer initiated a traffic stop, and the driver, identified as 28-year-old Isiah Smith, initially complied by stopping the vehicle.
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As the officer approached on foot, Smith drove away, prompting a police pursuit. During the pursuit, another officer discovered that the tags on the vehicle did not belong to the Acura Smith was driving. The pursuit continued into Northeast Washington, D.C., where Smith lost control of the vehicle near Michigan Avenue and Bunker Hill Road, resulting in a crash. Smith was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
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The Prince George's County Police Department's Internal Affairs Division launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal crash.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://pgpolice.blogspot.com/2021/11/pgpd-investigating-fatal-crash-driver.html
• https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/prince-georges-county/man-killed-in-crash-after-prince-georges-county-police-pursuit/2890582/
• https://wtop.com/local/2021/11/police-man-fleeing-prince-georges-co-traffic-stop-killed-in-dc-crash/
• https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/prince-georges-county-pursuit-fatal-crash-in-dc/65-4d79bd40-bc6e-4997-9d1c-64a68f2f3be4
• https://smnewsnet.com/archives/498673/prince-georges-county-police-investigating-fatal-crash-after-erratic-driver-flees-attempted-traffic-stop/
Carlos David Ortega
Age :38
Gender :Male
Race : Latino/a/e
Date : 11/13/2021
Location : 5000 block of E Oliver St
City : Baltimore
County : Baltimore City
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by off-duty officer in barber shop
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 11/13/2021, Baltimore Police officers responded to the 5000 block of East Oliver Street after reports of a person with a firearm in the residential area. Officers encountered Carlos Ortega during the response and gunfire occurred between officers and Ortega. Officers opened fire and struck him. Medics transported him from the scene where he was later pronounced dead. Police secured the surrounding neighborhood while detectives processed the shooting scene and the department initiated internal and state level investigative review. Public reporting released limited personal background details beyond basic identification.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-police-shooting-east-oliver-20211114-story.html
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/baltimore-police-investigate-officer-involved-shooting/38243863
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/man-killed-in-east-baltimore-police-shooting/
Jamaal "Smurfee" Parish Mitchell
Age :35
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 10/21/2021
Location : Queen Avenue and Duchess Drive
City : Salisbury
County : Wicomico
State : Maryland
Agency : Salisbury Police Department
Officer(s) : Pfc. Christopher Denny (Salisbury Police Department), Deputy David Munir (Wicomico County Sheriff's Office)
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Driver killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On October 21, 2021, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Salisbury Police Department OfficerChristopher Denny observed a vehicle operating without headlights and swerving near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and West Salisbury Parkway in Salisbury, Maryland. Suspecting the driver was impaired, Officer Denny attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, identified as 35-year-old Jamaal "Smurfee" Parish Mitchell, failed to stop and accelerated, initiating a pursuit.
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During the pursuit, Mitchell's vehicle collided with a Wicomico County Sheriff's Office cruiser driven by Deputy David Munir, who then joined the pursuit. Mitchell continued driving and struck another vehicle at the intersection of Queen Avenue and Duchess Drive, causing him to lose control. His vehicle veered into a yard on Duchess Drive, hitting a parked car and a tree. Mitchell was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Attorney General's Office conducted a review of the incident. In April 2022, the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against the involved officers, determining that their actions were not grossly negligent and did not cause Mitchell's death.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2021/110521.pdf
• https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/video-shows-salisbury-police-chase-that-ended-in-deadly-crash
• https://www.wmdt.com/2021/10/police-attempted-traffic-stop-leads-to-fatal-crash-investigation-underway/
• https://www.wmdt.com/2022/05/investigative-report-released-for-wicomico-co-fatal-police-pursuit-crash/
• https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/victim-who-died-in-crash-during-salisbury-police-chase-identified/
Jovan Lewis Singleton
Age :36
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 10/11/2021
Location : Englewood Avenue and Gilmore Street
City : Woodlawn
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore County Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police under undisclosed circumstances
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On October 11, 2021, Baltimore County Police officers responded to an incident at the intersection of Englewood Avenue and Gilmore Street in Woodlawn, Maryland. During the encounter, officers opened fire, killing 36-year-old Jovan Lewis Singleton.
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Details surrounding the shooting, including why officers discharged their firearms and the events that led to the encounter, have not been disclosed. The Baltimore County Police Department is conducting an investigation, and additional information is pending release.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/IID/Reports/042522_IID_Report.pdf
• https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/baltimore-man-identified-as-robbery-suspect-found-dead-after-police-shootout/
• https://www.wbaltv.com/article/suspect-at-large-following-robbery-shooting-in-gwynn-oak/37923498
• https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/md/baltimore/jovan-lewis-singleton-13509824
Jawuan James Ginyard
Age :26
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 10/09/2021
Location : I-695 and Wilkens Avenue exit ramp
City : Baltimore
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : Maryland Transportation Authority Police
Officer(s) : Officer Theodore Jeremenko
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Killed during police pursuit
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On October 9, 2021, at approximately 2:46 a.m., Maryland Transportation Authority Police Officer Theodore Jeremenko observed a silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo commit a traffic violation near the intersection of I-395 and Conway Street in Baltimore, Maryland. Suspecting the driver might be impaired, Officer Jeremenko initiated a pursuit.
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The driver, identified as 26-year-old Jawuan James Ginyard, initially pulled over on I-95 South but then fled as Officer Jeremenko approached his vehicle. The officer chased him onto I-695, with Ginyard reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph and weaving through traffic. Upon taking the Wilkens Avenue exit ramp, Ginyard lost control of his vehicle, which struck the median, causing him to be ejected from the car. Officer Jeremenko rendered first aid until paramedics arrived, but Ginyard was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division conducted a review of the incident. In April 2022, the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against Officer Jeremenko, determining that his actions were not grossly negligent and did not cause Ginyard's death.
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SOURCE LINKS :
• https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/state-investigators-release-report-in-police-pursuit-that-ended-in-fatal-baltimore-county-crash/
• https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/attorney-general-releases-footage-from-police-pursuit-preceding-fatal-one-car-crash/
• https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/IID/Reports/042922_Full_Report_Redacted.pdf
• https://www.wbaltv.com/article/jawuan-james-ginyard-crash/37927433
• https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/video-released-of-police-chase-that-ended-in-fatal-crash-in-baltimore-county
Cedric Ricardo Williams
Age :29
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 09/10/2021
Location : 1100 block Owens Road
City : Oxon Hill
County : Prince George's
State : Maryland
Agency : Prince George's County Police Department
Officer(s) : Corporal John Diggs
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during disturbance call
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On September 10, 2021, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Corporal John Diggs of the Prince George's County Police Department, who resided at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of Owens Road in Oxon Hill, Maryland, was informed by a complex employee that Cedric Ricardo Williams, 29, who had been previously banned from the property, was on the premises. In full uniform, Corporal Diggs approached Williams and instructed him to leave. Williams refused, leading to a verbal confrontation that escalated into a physical struggle outside the building and onto a roadway.
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During the altercation, Williams retrieved a handgun from his bookbag. The weapon allegedly malfunctioned which was not specified further. Williams then discarded the handgun into a wooded area. Corporal Diggs fired his Taser twice in an effort to subdue Williams. Williams retrieved what appeared to be a gun from the wooded area and pointed it at Corporal Diggs. Corporal Diggs discharged his service weapon multiple times, fatally striking Williams.
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Upon investigation, both weapons possessed by Williams were all determined to be realistic replicas. The Prince George's County Police Department's Internal Affairs Division is leading the investigation, with oversight from the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office.
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SOURCE LINKS :
• https://smnewsnet.com/archives/495753/pgpd-investigating-fatal-officer-involved-shooting-with-armed-suspect-in-oxon-hill/
• https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/prince-georges-county-police-identify-officer-who-killed-oxon-hill-man-allegedly-pointing-replica-guns-during-a-dispute/
• https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/officer-killed-man-who-pointed-replica-guns-at-him-prince-georges-police-say/2798755/
• https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/police-prince-georges-county-officer-involved-in-fatal-shooting
Marcus Martin
Age :40
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 08/09/2021
Location : 6000 block Alta Avenue
City : Baltimore
County : Baltimore City
State : Maryland
Agency : Baltimore Police Department
Officer(s) : Officer Jeffery Archambault
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On August 8, 2021, at approximately 9:18 p.m., Baltimore Police Department officers responded to a residence in the 6000 block of Alta Avenue in Northeast Baltimore following reports of an assault involving an armed individual experiencing a mental health crisis.
Police negotiators engaged with Marcus Martin for several hours, during which time he threatened to shoot anyone who approached the house. He was observed with a weapon. At approximately 3:19 a.m. on August 9, 2021, unspecified tactical measures were implemented by the SWAT team. In response, Martin fired a shotgun. Officer Jeffery Archambault, positioned nearby, discharged his firearm, striking Martin. He was pronounced dead in his home.
The Baltimore Police Department's Special Investigation Response Team is conducting an internal investigation into the shooting, with oversight from the State's Attorney's Office. Officer Archambault has been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/marcus-martin-baltimore-police-involved-shooting-fatal/
• https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/mental-illness-did-not-prevent-bpd-shooting-victim-from-owning-guns
• https://www.wbaltv.com/article/police-involved-shooting-confirmed-in-northeast-baltimore/37256433
• https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/new-details-in-deadly-officer-involved-shooting-in-northeast-baltimore
• https://www.wbaltv.com/article/baltimore-police-bodycam-video-police-shootings/37351262
• https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/baltimore-police-involved-shooting-body-camera-footage/
• https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/trauma-experts-mental-health-experts-should-be-on-scene-with-police-to-help-de-escalate
• https://baltimorewitness.org/victim-named-in-police-involved-shooting/
Ryan LeRoux
Age :21
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 07/16/2021
Location : 18273 Flower Hill Way
City : Gaithersburg
County : Montgomery
State : Maryland
Agency : Montgomery County Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during response to disturbance
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 07/16/2021, officers responded to a disturbance call in Gaithersburg and encountered Ryan LeRoux. Police opened fire during the encounter and LeRoux was pronounced dead. He was 21. State authorities reviewed the shooting and reporting identified the incident location at Flower Hill Way with limited detail released about the confrontation.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/gaithersburg-police-shooting/2021/07/16/
https://www.mymcmedia.org/montgomery-county-police-investigate-officer-involved-shooting-in-gaithersburg/
Justin Patrick Powell
Age :32
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 07/13/2021
Location : 6901 Security Boulevard
City : Baltimore
County : Baltimore
State : Maryland
Agency : U.S. Marshals Service
Officer(s) : Unknown
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during arrest
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 07/13/2021, the U.S. Marshals Service responded to a call for duty at Security Square Mall. Officers saw a man holding a gun. The man fired multiple shots. Officers opened fire. The individual was pronounced deceased at a hospital. The Baltimore County Police Department is leading the investigation into the incident, with involvement from the Baltimore Police Department's Special Investigations Response Team for the internal investigation regarding the officer-involved shooting.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/baltimore-officers-injured-suspect-killed-at-security-square-mall/
• https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/wanted-murder-suspect-killed-by-police-two-officers-injured
• https://apnews.com/article/shootings-baltimore-fdc2331eedbf6986e5e5ce4e6f9ccc31
• https://abcnews.go.com/US/baltimore-police-officers-shot/story?id=78816142
• https://baltimorewitness.org/homicide-suspect-killed-in-police-involved-shooting-in-baltimore-county/