Tag Archives: Murder

ABERDEEN MAN GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED SECOND-DEGREE MURDER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baltimore Man Convicted of First Degree Murder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harford County Man Sentenced in 2020 Shooting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baltimore Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: March 30, 2022

RE: Murder Conviction

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Murderer Radee Prince Sentenced in 2017 Mass Shooting

Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced that Radee Prince, 40, from Elkton, Maryland, received three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole along with two consecutive life sentences for murdering three people and attempting to murder two others in a 2017 workplace shooting. Mr. Prince was further sentenced to 20 years for use of a handgun during the commission of a crime of violence and 15 years for being a felon in possession of a handgun concurrent to the last life sentence. All of these sentences are consecutive to the 40 years Mr. Prince is serving for a related crime in Delaware.

On the morning of October 18, 2017, deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active shooter situation at a granite company in Edgewood, Maryland. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies 53 year-old Bayarsaikhan Tudev, 34 year-old Jose Hildago Romero and 48 year-old Enis Mrvoljak who had all succumbed to gunshot wounds to their heads. Deputies also located two other victims, Enoc Sosa and Jose Roberto Flores Gillen, who had similarly suffered gunshot wounds to their heads, but survived. All of the victims were employees of the granite company.

The resulting investigation, which included multiple eyewitnesses and video surveillance, clearly revealed that a co-employee, defendant Radee Prince, executed Mr. Tudev, Mr. Romero and Mr. Mrvoljak and severely wounded Mr. Sosa and Mr. Gillen with a semi-automatic handgun. Mr. Prince then left the scene immediately after the shooting, entering a black SUV and driving away. He was eventually captured in Wilmington, Delaware following a subsequent shooting.

“I am very pleased with this outcome,” said Mr. Peisinger. “This man deserved nothing less than the maximum penalty afforded by law for these vicious crimes.” Mr. Peisinger further stated: “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we hope that today’s sentence brings some measure of comfort to them. As this prosecution and today’s sentence shows, we will not waver in our commitment to eradicating brutal and senseless instances of violence such as this to ensure the safety of our communities.”

Mr. Peisinger further thanked the jurors who deliberated the case, the Honorable Yolanda Curtin and all of the Harford County Circuit Court judges, staff and personnel for diligently and patiently conducting the proceedings in a challenging environment due to the ongoing pandemic. He also praised the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, the Bel Air Police Department, the Maryland State Police, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as all other first responders for their joint efforts in rendering aid at the scene and for the extensive investigation that led to this outcome. Additionally, he commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Angela Diehl, Timothy Doory and Cyndi Adkins for their incredible advocacy that resulted in this sentence.