Tag Archives: Murder

JURY CONVICTS EDGEWOOD MAN OF ATTEMPTED SECOND DEGREE MURDER IN HARFORD MALL SHOOTING

DATE: December 11, 2024
RE: State v. Wesley Larry Lyons Jr.

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Wesley Larry Lyons Jr. was found guilty of Attempted Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, two (2) counts of Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm After Being Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime, Loaded Handgun on Person, and five (5) counts of Reckless Endangerment following a four-day jury trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at approximately 4:00 p.m., Bel Air Police Officers were dispatched to the Harford Bounce Party Place located at 698 Bel Air Road, in the Harford Mall, for the report of a shooting with an injured person. It was reported that the suspect in the shooting had already fled the scene, running out of the mall.

Officers were able to develop information on the suspect quickly from numerous victims and witnesses on scene. Officers were also able to review security footage of the shooting. The video showed a group of individuals arguing and fighting when the suspect produced a handgun from his waist area, which appeared to have an extended magazine. The suspect fired several shots at the victim who was trying to break up the altercation. The victim was struck by one bullet in his upper left thigh, one bullet in his groin, and one in his finger. It was discovered that the victim was there helping set up for a one-year-old’s birthday party. The child’s father, Wesley Larry Lyons Jr, was identified as the shooter. A fight broke out between Lyons’ mother and the mother of the one-year-old. Lyons took several seconds to clear a path before firing the gun five times at the victim. Lyons then put the gun in his waist band and fled the mall, running past several people.

Surveillance footage showed that at the time the victim was shot, two additional adults and two children were standing behind the victim, recklessly endangering them by putting them at risk of being shot. It was learned during the investigation that Lyons was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2017 conviction for Possession with the Intent to Distribute and a 2009 conviction for Robbery.

Police were unable to apprehend Lyons on the day of the shooting. After a 28-day manhunt, Lyons was found in a Red Roof Inn in Anne Arundel County where he was arrested and transported back to Harford County Detention Center. Following the verdict, Lyons was returned to the custody of the Harford County Detention Center where he will be held pending sentencing. Sentencing has been scheduled in this matter for February 13, 2025.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey stated: “It is despicable that anyone would resort to gun violence to resolve their issues. However, I am particularly appalled by Wesley Lyons and the decision he made to commit this heinous and very violent crime at the birthday party for a one-year-old child. This is further exacerbated by the fact that he did so in the presence of multiple other children and adults as well, placing them all in danger, when they were simply trying to engage in a celebration for a child in a bouncy house in as public of a place as the Harford Mall. As a prohibited person, he showed his complete disregard for the law as well as for the lives of those around him. Harford County will be a safer place with him incarcerated for decades to come.”

State’s Attorney Healey further expressed thanks to Assistant State’s Attorneys Vincenzo Culotta and Frank Van Dyke for their efforts in prosecuting this case and securing these felony convictions of this violent offender. She also expresses her gratitude to Bel Air Police Department Detectives Vivino and Marchesani and Harford County Sheriff’s Office Detective Wilsynski for their thorough investigation, as well as the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Apprehension Unit for their perseverance that ultimately led to the defendant’s capture.

ABERDEEN MAN CONVICTED IN BELCAMP MURDER

Date: November 18, 2024
RE: State v Djbril Ramatoulay

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Djbril Ramatoulay, 32, of Aberdeen, was convicted of Attempted First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, and various related firearms offenses following a four-day jury trial before the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Facts presented in trial proved that on April 23, 2024, members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded the McDonald’s on Riverside Parkway for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they observed one deceased victim inside the McDonald’s suffering from two gunshot wounds to the head. An additional victim was also on scene and had taken shelter in the stockroom of the restaurant. Surveillance footage also showed that the suspect chased the surviving victim out of the McDonald’s and into the parking lot of the nearby Waffle House, firing three additional rounds. Through the course of their investigation, Detectives were able to identify the shooter as Djbril Ramatoulay. A search warrant was executed on the Defendant’s residence where they located the clothing worn in the surveillance footage during the incident. Those items were seized, swabbed and submitted for testing, where DNA analysis was conducted and confirmed that blood from the deceased victim was present on Ramatoulay’s clothing. The Defendant was interviewed, where he denied interacting with either victim and also gave a false description of the clothing he was wearing on the night in question. Ramatoulay is currently being held in the Harford County Detention Center pending his sentencing hearing on March 18, 2025.

Following the jury’s verdict, State’s Attorney Alison Healey offered the following comment: “This is yet another prosecution by our office for a violent crime, and another violent criminal convicted by a Harford County jury will be removed from the streets of Harford County. Our citizens are safer because of the successful prosecutions by our office. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated but committing such an egregious act in a public place which put so many innocent citizens at risk calls for a strong message to be sent. My heart is with the families of the deceased victim in this case as well as with the surviving victim. While I know that nothing can bring back the young man that was lost, I hope that this verdict will bring some sense of peace and justice to them as they all try move on from this horrific crime.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her efforts in the prosecution of this case as well as the outstanding support staff of the State’s Attorney’s Office that assisted in preparing this case for trial. She also expressed her gratitude for the efforts of Harford County Sheriff’s Office Detective Ross, Dr. Mounkes from the Maryland State Police Crime Lab, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Dean, and the civilian witnesses and surviving victim whose testimony was instrumental in securing a conviction in this case.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT & MS-13 GANG MEMBER PLEADS GUILTY IN BRUTAL 2022 MURDER

On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Walter Javier Martinez, 19, entered a guilty plea for the charge of First Degree Murder before the Honorable Yolanda L. Curtin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Fact presented to the court in support of the plea showed that on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, a twenty-year-old female victim was found unconscious on the floor of her bedroom by her boyfriend and was bound at the wrists and with a phone charging cord wrapped tightly around her neck and mouth. Upon arrival of Emergency Medical Services, she was observed to be clearly deceased. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ultimately ruled the victim’s death a homicide by strangulation.

Investigation revealed that on the day of the incident, both the victim’s boyfriend and the other family that resided in the home were at work, leaving the victim and Martinez alone in the residence for the first time. Martinez had only been residing in the home for approximately five days prior to the murder. Police observed the victim’s purse and belongings scattered around the room, and it was ultimately determined that money was removed from her wallet, and her cell phone was missing. The victim’s boyfriend also advised that on his way home, just prior to discovering the victim’s body, he observed Martinez, walking down the street away from the residence. A cellular device ping of the victim’s phone later put the device in the general location where Martinez was seen that day. The victim, who was diagnosed with high functioning autism, would often call her boyfriend when someone would knock on the door of their bedroom. During the time of the incident, the victim followed that pattern of behavior, and the murder was recorded on the boyfriend’s voicemail and played in court in support of the plea. Martinez could be heard apologizing to the victim at the end of the recording.

DNA swabs were also taken from the victim’s body, to include anal swabs. In addition, her underwear and shorts were also analyzed for the presence of DNA and compared against a known sample from Martinez. The DNA profile was consistent with the DNA of the defendant, Walter Martinez.

Following his arrest, Martinez authored a letter while incarcerated at the Harford County Detention Center where he admitted to committing 4 murders, 2 rapes, and additional other crimes, which was also provided to the court in support of the plea.

During sentencing, the State asked the court to impose the agreed sentence of Life suspend all but seventy (70) years to serve. Pursuant to case law, due to the defendant’s age (16) at the time of this offense, the State was unable to seek Life without Parole in this case. Defense Counsel for Martinez gave a brief history of the defendant’s life in El Salvador and stated that the defendant illegally entered the United States by employing “cayotes” or smugglers in March 2022, just four months prior to this brutal murder. They also confirmed that Martinez was, in fact, a member of the MS-13 gang. Further, there is an active Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detainer, which would be in effect upon his release. Thus, Martinez may be subject to additional immigration proceedings and deportation at that time.

During the hearing, the victim’s paternal grandmother, stepfather, and mother all gave victim impact statements to the court. During her remarks prior to handing down the sentence, the Honorable Judge Curtin stated that “it is unbearable to think what victims’ families go through,” and “in your words, you have conveyed the beauty of her life,” referencing the victim. She ultimately imposed the agreed sentence of Life suspend all but seventy (70) years to serve with a period of five years of supervised probation upon release. She further commented that nothing that happened to this defendant in El Salvador gave him the right to do what he did and that, at this time, she did not think Martinez was a candidate for “any rehabilitative measures.”
Following the guilty plea, State’s Attorney Alison Healey issued the following statement: “This murder was one of the most brutal and heinous crimes I have ever prosecuted. No one deserves to suffer and die at the hands of a monster like this victim did. Additionally, this defendant, residing in our country illegally, had no legal right to be here, preying on the members of our communities, and perpetuating the same violent gang activity that he did in his own country. I commend the victim’s family for their bravery today in delivering their statements to the court and facing this murderer. I recognize that no amount of time will ever be enough to take away the pain and suffering that this family has experienced as a result of Walter Martinez’s horrific and criminal conduct, nor will any sentence bring this victim back to them.”

State’s Attorney Healey continued by thanking Assistant State’s Attorney Gabriella Vazzana for being her Co-Counsel in this case and for her assistance in preparing this case for trial. She further commends Detective Shoffstall, Detective Soto, Lieutenant Persuhn and the entire Aberdeen Police Department for their remarkably thorough investigation of this case, which ultimately led to justice for a truly innocent victim.

EDGEWOOD MAN RECEIVES MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR SECOND DEGREE MURDER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABINGDON MAN CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER

DATE: August 7, 2024
RE: State v Charles Alfred Webster Jr.

On Monday, July 29, 2024, Charles Alfred Webster Jr., 50, of Abingdon, was found guilty Attempted First Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person with a Felony Conviction, Reckless Endangerment, and Loaded Handgun in Vehicle, following a three-day jury trial before the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney in the Circuit Court of Harford County.

Facts presented during trial showed that on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the victim in this case was completing her Amazon Flex delivery route for the day in the Woodsdale apartment complex in Abingdon, Maryland. While driving out of the complex on Waldon Road, a black Audi sedan with no registration plates pulled alongside the victim’s driver’s side window with its windows down. Thinking the person was asking directions, the victim lowered her driver’s window. Without a word, the driver of the Audi then raised his arm, holding a black handgun, and aimed it at the victim’s face. She quickly stomped on the gas pedal as she heard a single shot ring out. Ducking down near her dashboard while holding the gas pedal down, the victim fled the area, ultimately arriving at Wawa on Woodsdale Road where she called 911 for help.

Deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call, observing a bullet hole entering through the victim’s rear driver’s side window and exiting through her rear passenger side window. As deputies were relaying identifying information regarding the suspect’s Audi sedan, the vehicle was observed driving northbound on Route 924 near Ring Factory Elementary. A traffic stop was conducted, and the victim was transported to the scene where she was able to positively identify the driver as the man that shot at her. The defendant, Charles Alfred Webster, Jr., was identified as the driver of the Audi and taken into custody without incident. At the time of his arrest, in plain view on the driver’s seat, was a spent 9mm ammunition casing. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Unit conducted a further lawful search of the defendant’s vehicle and apartment, which revealed a firearm purchase box for a Springfield Armory 9mm handgun on the nightstand in the master bedroom. It was also determined that the defendant was prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm pursuant to his 1998 felony conviction for Assault in the First Degree in Delaware.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey commented, “This was truly a senseless act of violence, as the defendant and the victim were not known to each other prior to the day of this incident. This victim showed tremendous bravery by facing her attacker in court and testifying to ensure his conviction in this case. I hope that she can find some peace in knowing that justice was served and that this person will never be a threat to her again.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her hard work and advocacy in securing this conviction. She also extends her gratitude to Detective Maddox, Lieutenant Burgess, and all of the members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office that assisted in the investigation and swift apprehension of this Defendant.

GANG MEMBER CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER FOLLOWING SIX-DAY TRIAL

DATE: August 2, 2024
RE: State v Nigel Pearson

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Nigel Isaiah Pearson, 22, of Aberdeen, was convicted of two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, Four Counts of First Degree Assault, Four Counts of Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence, Four Counts of Reckless Endangerment, One Count of Handgun in Vehicle, One Count of Loaded Handgun in Vehicle, One Count of Handgun on Person, and One Count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Minor following a six-day bench trial before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Through the testimony of twenty-one witnesses, including members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, and three experts, the evidence presented in trial showed that on November 16, 2022, Nigel Pearson, along with additional members of the “Rollin’ 20’s” gang, drove in two separate vehicles to 302 Stevens Circle in Aberdeen with the intent to shoot and kill members of the “Choppa Boys” gang. Evidence also showed that the motive behind the shooting was that rival gang members had posted a rap video on YouTube just a few days prior. Once at Stevens Circle, Nigel Pearson, along with others, mercilessly shot at a group of four teenage victims who were actively changing a tire in the parking lot and then drove away. Two out of the four teenagers were struck by gunfire: one in the chest and one in the head. Due to the quick response of First Responders, both victims survived. The following day, Pearson then drove his vehicle to a secluded location in the woods in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania and burned the vehicle, which was used during the shooting. The vehicle was later discovered by Pennsylvania State Police who began an investigation into Pearson.

Sentencing is set for October 25, 2024, before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak. Following the verdict, State’s Attorney Healey issued the following statement: “Gang activity produces some of the most violent cases we see as prosecutors. This defendant, having no regard for the lives of others, made a conscious decision to take and endanger the lives of other human beings for no reason other than his gang affiliation. We will relentlessly pursue justice in cases such as this one to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Our community is safer with Nigel Pearson behind bars. My office will seek to ensure that he is never a danger to our citizens again. I commend the victim for her bravery in testifying during trial and for all that she has had to overcome as a result of this defendant’s actions.”

State’s Attorney Healey further thanks Detective Shoffstall, Detective Soto, Detective Garrett, Detective Lightner, and Lieutenant Persuhn for their hard work investigating this case. She also commends Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca A. Malkowski and Deputy State’s Attorney David W. Ryden for their incredible efforts in securing these convictions.

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.