Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced today the conviction of Naeshawn Perry, 19, of Havre de Grace, Maryland for murder in the first degree.
On August 9, 2017, the victim, 15 year old Maleigha Solonka, was reported missing. One week later, on August 16, 2017, Maleigha’s body was found in a trash can that was located in a wooded area behind a church on Webb Lane in Havre de Grace, Maryland. An autopsy was conducted, which revealed the cause of death was asphyxiation. Detectives of the Havre de Grace Police Department conducted an extensive investigation including interviewing Mr. Perry and executing multiple search and seizure warrants. Mr. Perry was charged with murdering Maleigha Solonka after multiple items that were recovered during the investigation underwent DNA analysis.
Mr. Perry pled guilty in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak on March 10, 2020. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Dair Pillai. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered. The sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Ishak.
The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County sends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family for the tragic loss they have suffered.
The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County would like to thank the Havre de Grace Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, Maryland State Police Crime Laboratory, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their outstanding work and dedication in conducting the investigation that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Perry.