Tag Archives: Edgewood

Edgewood Man Indicted for Second Degree Murder

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: July 7, 2022
RE: Indictment of James Sanders

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced that a Harford County Grand Jury has indicted James Marnell Sanders, 35, for murder in the second degree and related charges including child abuse resulting in the death of his 5-year-old son.

On Thursday, May 5, 2022, at approximately 10:45 p.m., emergency services personnel responded to Route 24 just north of Edgewood Road for a report of a collision with a pedestrian and a child. Upon arrival, first responders found James Sanders and his 5-year-old son Trayln Sanders on scene and transported them to area hospitals. Trayln was sent to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries, while James Sanders was taken to University of Maryland Shock Trauma.

An investigation by the Maryland State Police, which included witness interviews and surveillance camera footage, revealed that James Sanders and Trayln Sanders had tried to cross Route 24 and were almost struck by a vehicle. Mr. Sanders continued to try and cross the intersection with Trayln, despite oncoming traffic and not crossing in a designated crosswalk. A 2018 Toyota RAV4 that had the steady green signal then struck both Mr. James Sanders and Trayln.

When officers arrived at the crash scene, they could smell a strong odor of alcohol on Mr. Sanders. Blood tests were administered, and an analysis revealed that Mr. Sanders had an approximate blood alcohol content of a little more than four times the legal limit of intoxication.
Mr. Peisinger thanked and commended the Maryland State Police for its thorough investigation and all the first responders who responded to this scene.

All criminal defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court. An indictment is a charging instrument reviewed by a Grand Jury and not proof of guilt.

Edgewood Man Receives Life Sentence Plus an Additional 45 Years for Gang Related Murder

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: June 10, 2022
RE: Rahzir Meyers sentenced in Gang Murder Conviction

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the sentencing of Rahzir Meyers, 21, from Edgewood, Maryland, for murder in the first degree, gang and firearm offenses.

On July 4, 2019 at 12:19 a.m., Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1942 Eloise Lane in Edgewood, Maryland for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies and EMS learned that Khalil Johnson had been shot in the back and that the bullet exited through his chest. Johnson was transported to University of Maryland, Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore where, despite life saving measures, he succumbed from his injuries.

An investigation, which involved several tips including anonymous witnesses, revealed that Rahzir Meyers was a member of the 400 Tree Top Piru gang which was in a feud with a local subset of the Crips gang. Witnesses stated that at the time of the murder, Rahzir Meyers stood on Brookside Drive and fired a handgun in the direction of Eloise Lane and victim Khalil Johnson. Further, video surveillance captured by Harford County Watch Surveillance cameras showed several individuals standing on Brookside Drive with at least one suspect firing a handgun in the direction of Eloise Lane and the victim Khalil Johnson. The video also shows Johnson running from the scene in the direction of 1942 Eloise Lane where he later collapsed. Multiple firearm casings were recovered from the area where the suspects were standing as well as a laser gun attachment. It was later determined that Rahzir Meyers’ DNA was on the gun attachment.

Witnesses also stated that there was a group of people hanging out in the area most of the late afternoon and evening hours of July 3rd through early hours of July 4th. The group included children, adults and others from the neighborhood who were out celebrating when the shooting occurred.

Following a two-week jury trial before the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen, a jury ultimately found Mr. Meyers guilty of murder in the first degree, participating in a criminal organization in the commission of a crime that results in death as well as a multitude of firearm offenses. After listening to victim impact statements from Kahlil Johnson’s family and friends, Judge Bowen sentenced him to life in prison with an additional 45 years which will all be served in the Division of Corrections.

“As this complex prosecution and today’s sentence shows, we will use every tool and every resource at our disposal to eradicate brutal and senseless acts of gang violence and hold offenders accountable through lengthy prison sentences,” said Mr. Peisinger. “My heart goes out to Khalil Johnson’s family and I hope this conviction and sentence brings some closure to them.”

Mr. Peisinger further thanked Judge Bowen and the jurors who deliberated the case. He also praised the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, 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 and sentence of Mr. Meyers. Additionally, he commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Erin Smith and Toi Mason for their incredible advocacy in this highly intricate case.

Whiteford Man Convicted of Firearm Charges in Relation to Drug Trafficking

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: May 13, 2022
RE: Conviction of Nicholas Hunt

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Nicholas Hunt, 26, of Whiteford, Maryland, for possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession of a regulated firearm after having been convicted a disqualifying crime.

On August 29, 2018, the Warrant Apprehension Unit of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services were investigating the apprehension of a fugitive at 1313 Gold Medal Way in Edgewood Maryland. Upon arrival at that address, investigators encountered Nicholas Hunt, who led investigators into his apartment where the fugitive was staying. Upon entry, investigators discovered marijuana in plain view along with a disassembled firearm. At this point, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office was notified, and a search and seizure warrant was obtained.

Following the execution of the search and seizure warrant on Nicholas Hunt’s apartment, the Harford County Narcotics Task Force recovered approximately three ounces of cocaine and one and a quarter pounds of marijuana along with paraphernalia indicating that the illegal drugs were being weighed and packed for street level distribution. Also recovered was a 1911 Browning semi-automatic handgun near the drugs.

Subsequent to a grand jury indictment on the charges in 2018, the defendant fled the State and was eventually apprehended in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 3, 2021. On May 12, 2022, Nicholas Hunt pled guilty to possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession of a regulated firearm after having been convicted a disqualifying crime. The Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney sentenced Mr. Hunt to an aggregate sentence of 35 years of incarceration, suspend all but 10 years to be served without the possibility of parole to the Department of Corrections. Upon completion of those sentences, the defendant was additionally placed on five years of supervised probation.

Mr. Peisinger thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Cristin Treaster who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Narcotics Task Force, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division for their teamwork and dedication which resulted in the arrest and conviction of Nicholas Hunt.

Edgewood Man Convicted of Distributing Heroin/Fentanyl Mix

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: October 21, 2021
RE: Conviction of Daquan Brown

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Daquan Brown, 25, of Edgewood, Maryland, for distribution of a heroin-fentanyl mix, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and unlawful possession of a regulated firearm.

On July 8, 2020, Detectives assigned to the Harford County Narcotics Task Force conducted an investigation in regard to a fatal overdose. A number, listed as “Squirt,” was discovered on the victim’s phone and was believed to be a suspected narcotics dealer. A detective working in an undercover capacity, made contact with “Squirt” via text and arranged to purchase $200 of heroin. On July 9, 2020, detectives rented a room at the Red Roof Inn located at 2116 Emmorton Park Road in Edgewood and conducted surveillance.

Once the suspect arrived in a silver vehicle, detectives were able to identify him based upon distinctive clothing mentioned in the text messages. An undercover detective approached “Squirt” where the detective handed him $200. “Squirt” then advised the detective to walk over to his vehicle where he handed him a brown napkin that contained 23 capsules which were later tested and found to be a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Once this transaction took place, members of the Narcotics Task Force attempted to take the suspect into custody and he fled. During the foot pursuit, the suspect threw approximately 4.6 grams of cocaine. Once the suspect was taken into custody, he was positively identified as Daquan Brown. A resulting search of Mr. Brown’s silver vehicle revealed a loaded Star 9mm semi-automatic handgun under the driver seat, $647 in assorted currency and various other illicit narcotics. Further, it was discovered that Daquan Brown is prohibited from possessing a handgun due to a Baltimore County conviction.

On October 19, 2021, the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin imposed a total sentence of 40 years suspend all but 15 years incarceration to be served at the Division of Corrections, the first five (5) years of which are to be served without the possibility of parole. The Defendant will be on five (5) years of supervised probation when he is released.

“This sentence is a warning to all those who decide to sell heroin and fentanyl in our community,” said Harford County State’s Attorney Albert J. Peisinger. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will do everything we can to fight the illegal drug trade, including ensuring that drug dealers will spend a significant portion of their lives in jail.”

Mr. Peisinger thanked Deputy State’s Attorney MiaBeth Marosy who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Narcotics Task Force and the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Division for their hard work and dedication in conducting the investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of Mr. Brown.

Abingdon Man Convicted of Felony Narcotics and Firearm Charges

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: October 21, 2021
RE: Conviction of Brandon Winkler

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Brandon Winkler, 20, of Abingdon, Maryland, for possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.

On April 9, 2021, a Deputy from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office was on routine patrol in Edgewood when he observed multiple traffic violations by a vehicle operated by Brandon Winkler. Upon stopping the vehicle, the Deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car. The deputy, while speaking with Winkler at the driver’s side window, observed two large zip lock bags containing marijuana. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a variety of other illegal narcotics, approximately $1,773.00, a Tazer stun gun and a Bersa Piccola 95 .380 handgun. On that same day, members of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at Winkler’s residence in Abingdon, whereupon detectives found and seized various illegal narcotics including oxycodone, which was packaged for street level distribution. Detectives additionally found more firearms, including a Ruger MK II pistol, the barrel of which was threaded, a silencer that appeared to fit this weapon, ammunition and $2,007.00 hidden under the mattress in the Defendant’s bedroom.

On October 19, 2021, the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin imposed a total sentence of 20 years suspend all but five (5) years which are to be served at the Division of Corrections without the possibility of parole. The Defendant will be on five (5) years of supervised probation when he is released.

Mr. Peisinger thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Chris Romano who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Sheriff’s Office along with the Narcotics Task Force and the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Division for their hard work and dedication in conducting the investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of Mr. Winkler.

Edgewood Man Convicted of 1st Degree Murder in Gang Shooting

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: October 4, 2021
RE: Gang Murder Conviction

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced that on October 1, 2021, a Harford County jury found Rahzir Meyers, 20, from Edgewood, Maryland, guilty of murder in the first degree, gang and firearm offenses following a two-week trial before the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen. Sentencing was postponed to a future date to be determined.

On July 4, 2019 at 12:19 a.m., Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1942 Eloise Lane in Edgewood, Maryland for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies and EMS learned that Khalil Johnson had been shot in the back and that the bullet exited through his chest. Johnson was transported to University of Maryland, Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore where, despite life saving measures, he succumbed from his injuries.

An investigation, which involved several tips including anonymous witnesses, revealed that Rahzir Meyers was a member of the 400 Bloods gang which was in a feud with a local subset of the Crips gang. Witnesses stated that at the time of the murder, Rahzir Meyers stood on Brookside Drive and fired a handgun in the direction of Eloise Lane and victim Khalil Johnson. Further, video surveillance captured by Harford County Watch Surveillance cameras showed several individuals standing on Brookside Drive with at least one suspect firing a handgun in the direction of Eloise Lane and the victim Khalil Johnson. The video also shows Johnson running from the scene in the direction of 1942 Eloise Lane where he later collapsed. Multiple firearm casings were recovered from the area where the suspects were standing as well as a laser gun attachment. It was later determined that Rahzir Meyers’ DNA was on the gun attachment.

Witnesses also stated that there was a group of people hanging out in the area most of the late afternoon and evening hours of July 3rd through early hours of July 4th. The group included children, adults and others from the neighborhood who were out celebrating when the shooting occurred.

“Rahzir Meyers showed a shocking indifference to human life by carrying out this brutal gang murder in front of his entire community,” said Mr. Peisinger, “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, this Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to use all available tools to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs that threaten our communities including using the highly challenging Maryland Gang Statutes to hold violent offenders accountable.”

Mr. Peisinger further thanked the jurors who deliberated the case. He also praised the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, 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. Meyers. Additionally, he commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Erin Smith and Toi Mason for their incredible advocacy in this highly complex case that resulted in this verdict.

Edgewood Man Convicted of Gun Offenses

DATE: August 31, 2021
RE: Conviction of Damian Walton

Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced today the conviction of Damian Walton, 31, Edgewood, Maryland, for possession of a regulated firearm by a prohibited person and the wearing, carrying and transport of a firearm.

On August 12, 2020, Deputy Robert Witt of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 1714 Crimson Tree Way in Edgewood, Maryland for a report of a gunshot. Upon arrival, Deputy Witt observed a man later identified as Damian Walton and woman later identified as Cindy Newton standing by a car. As Deputy Witt exited his patrol vehicle, Mr. Walton bent down toward the left front tire area. Due to the nature of the call, Deputy Witt ordered Mr. Walton to walk towards him and looked at the car Mr. Walton was standing near, where he discovered a .40 caliber handgun on the tire. A .40 caliber shell casing was also discovered near the scene. It was further discovered that Mr. Walton had a lengthy criminal history including previous convictions for firearms and felony narcotics, which prohibited him from possessing or handling a handgun.

Following a bench trial before the Honorable Yolanda L. Curtin, on August 25, 2021, Damian Walton was found guilty of possession of a regulated firearm by a prohibited person and the wearing, carrying and transport of a firearm. Judge Curtin then sentenced Mr. Walton to 15 years, suspend all but seven years incarceration with five years of supervised probation upon release. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Fitzpatrick.

Mr. Peisinger thanked Deputy Witt, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Fitzpatrick for their outstanding work and dedication in the investigation and prosecution that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Walton.

Edgewood Man Sentenced in 2019 Shooting Death

DATE: August 23, 2021
RE: Sentencing of Anthony Martin, Jr.

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced the sentencing of Anthony Martin, Jr., 18 of Edgewood, Maryland for first degree murder.

On November 1, 2019 at approximately 3:19am, deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1800 block of Grempler Way in Edgewood, Maryland for a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was later identified as Joshua Crouse who had a single gunshot wound to his upper torso. Medics tried to revive Mr. Crouse but life saving measures were unsuccessful and he succumbed to his injury.

The resulting investigation revealed that Mr. Crouse met with Anthony Martin, Jr. at a Shell Station in Edgewood. Mr. Crouse arranged to purchase $60 worth of a controlled dangerous substance from Mr. Martin. Mr. Crouse met up with Mr. Martin on Grempler Way. During this meeting, Mr. Martin approached Mr. Crouse with an AR-15 firearm and shot him in the torso while attempting to rob him of his money.

Witnesses on the scene provided a description of Mr. Martin and advised that he was inside of the Shell station shortly before the shooting. Surveillance video from the Shell Station was reviewed and it showed Mr. Martin as described by witnesses. Based upon the video, a photographic array was presented to two witnesses who also identified him.

Mr. Martin pled in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Yolanda L. Curtin on July 23, 2021 to one count of murder in the first degree. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Angela Diehl.

The sentencing hearing occurred on August 23, 2021. The victim’s family attended the hearing and the Court heard statements describing the impact this crime had on them and on the community. The Court sentenced Mr. Martin to life suspend all but 40 years of incarceration, to be served at the Division of Corrections, with five years of probation to follow.

Mr. Peisinger expressed condolences to the victim’s family for this tragic and senseless loss.

Mr. Peisinger further thanked the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, emergency response personnel and Assistant State’s Attorney Angela Diehl for their outstanding work and dedication in the investigation and prosecution that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Martin.

Edgewood Woman Pleads Guilty in Stabbing

Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced today the conviction of Kyla
Royster, 24, Edgewood, Maryland, for first degree assault.

On June 7, 2020, deputies of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Deerwood Court,
Edgewood, Maryland. Upon arrival, deputies found a woman bleeding from slash wounds to her neck and face
and a stab wound to her abdomen. Before being transported to Shock Trauma, the woman identified her
assailant as “K.” Deputies met with her again at the hospital, where she was able to identify a photograph of
Kyla Royster as the woman who assaulted her. Deputies obtained a warrant and arrested Kyla Royster when
she was found the following day.

On February 5, 2020, Kyla Royster admitted her guilt at a hearing before the Honorable M. Elizabeth
Bowen. In exchange for her guilty plea, Judge Bowen sentenced her to twenty-five years, suspend all but ten
years to serve, to be followed by five years of probation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney
Jason I. Allen.

Mr. Peisinger thanked the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, emergency response personnel, and the
University of Maryland Medical System for their outstanding work and dedication in conducting the
investigation that resulted in the conviction of Ms. Royster.